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Elk River Academy

Elk River Academy is a transitional therapeutic program of The Pinnacle Schools.

Unlike traditional boarding schools, a transitional program like Elk River Academy provides a safe environment for students to strengthen the gains made in a short-term therapeutic program. Some students need additional time to work with counselors and continue academic and therapeutic success.

Elk River Academy offers a flexible length of stay up to one year. Students must complete the Elk River Treatment Program or another short-term outdoor therapeutic program to be eligible for the Elk River Academy.

Students in the Academy Program have made substantial progress in the short-term but are in need of a transitional living environment to solidify those gains. The length of stay is driven by the identification of solid goals for the future of the student. The achievement of these goals is facilitated by strong relationships with a professional, competent, ethical and caring adult staff.

We believe parents are an essential part of the treatment team. Parents work closely with the Treatment Team to understand their teen's progress while at Elk River Academy. Parents and professional referral sources receive weekly updates on their teen's progress. Upon admission, each student is led by a Treatment Team including parents, a supervisor and a clinician, trained counselors, and professional referral sources. Other differences in short-term residents and Academy residents are:

  • Students attend group and individual therapy sessions
  • Students continue their education
  • Students live in cabins
  • Students may wear their own clothing (appropriate and approved by staff)
  • Weekly phone calls home
  • Regular family visits
  • Periodic off-campus field trips with staff and other students
  • Self-directed spending (provided by parents and distributed by staff)
  • Writing to selected family and friends (with parents approval)
  • Additional earned privileges (CD players, radios, books, etc.)

Elk River Academy supports the mission of The Pinnacle Schools by providing an environment of respect, acceptance and challenge where students can become confident, self-directed, educated and contributing members of society.