Frequently Asked Questions

Can a student earn high school credits while they are at Teen Challenge?

Yes, Teen Challenge offers fully accredited classes in its private Christian school.  Students have the ability to earn high school credits which can later be transferred to either private or public schools following the student's completion of the Teen Challenge program. Each subject is divided into 10 units. Each unit contains lessons, quizzes, projects, and a final test. One half (1/2) credit is earned for every 5 units completed in a subject. A full credit is earned for every 10 units completed in a subject. Students must complete at least 5 units in a subject before any credit will transfer.

Does my child have to be willing in order to be admitted.

It is rare that a student actually "wants" to come to Teen Challenge.  Although a student's attitude toward Teen Challenge usually changes dramatically for the better, we understand that a troubled boy may be reluctant to come to the program.  Teen Challenge requires only that he is aware that he is coming to Teen Challenge and that he walks in under his own power (i.e. he is not handcuffed and forcibly dragged in to the building or sedated in order to get him in).  Many parents are worried that they won't be able to get their child to Teen Challenge.  We have talked many families through the process of how to approach their child, and we have had great success in admitting even the most oppositional boys. 

Will you accept someone on medications?

Yes.  Parent(s)/Guardian(s) must inform Teen Challenge if their child is on any type of medication. Medications should be discussed early in the application process. It is our preference to work with students that are not on psychiatric, mood altering, or behavior modifying medications. Students on such medications should consult with their doctor to determine if it is appropriate or possible for the student to go off of the medications before coming to Teen Challenge. Any student who is to be taken off of medications after entering the program must provide Teen Challenge with clear written instructions from the physician indicating how a student is to be weaned off of the medication and on what schedule. Students who are to continue taking medications while at Teen Challenge should meet with their physicians during their home visits at least quarterly to assess whether a student needs to remain on medication or to determine whether changes should be made.

Can a student enter at any time during the year?

We accept new students throughout the year.  Intake Days are scheduled on Monday mornings at 9:00 AM (CST).  Below are the scheduled entry dates for 2012.

New students will participate in their first outdoor adventure trip immediately after arriving at Teen Challenge.  A seasoned staff member leads the adventure trip.  He is accompanied by current student leaders who have positive attitudes.  The current student leaders befriend the new students and really help them with their adjustment to the program.  This trip has been shown to dramatically lower students' anxieties about being placed in a program away from home. 

After students leave for the adventure trip, the parents/guardians meet with the Executive Director for orientation.  Parents/Guardians will also have the opportunity to meet with the Academic director, tour the facility, and ask any remaining questions about the ministry. 

What if we can't wait until the scheduled entry date to admit my child?

In situations where the child must be placed immediately and cannot wait until the next scheduled intake date, an emergency admission can be scheduled.  An additional fee of $1000 is required for an emergency admission.  All paperwork must be in, and all deposits or fees must be paid before this emergency admission can be scheduled.  No admissions can be scheduled for the months of June or December. 

How quickly can a student come in?

It is possible to complete the entire intake process in 1 week or less.

Is the tuition tax deductible?

No.

My son is facing legal charges. Can the judge and/or probation officer be notified that he has been approved for entry into Teen Challenge?

Yes. We will work with the judge and/or probation officer to keep them informed of the entry status and of the student's progress at Teen Challenge.

What kind of license to operate does Teen Challenge Ranch have?

Teen Challenge Ranch of NW Arkansas is a licensed residential facility with the Arkansas Department of Human Services. The program is accredited with honors by Teen Challenge International, USA.

Contact Us

Email: mail@arkansasteenchallenge.org
Phone: (888) 289-6818
Fax: (888) 844-1669
Mail: Teen Challenge, PO Box 20, Morrow, AR 72749