Asheville Academy for Growth's Executive Director Cat Jennings and Academic Director Mark Claibourne recently presented at the Small Boarding Schools Association Conference in Birmingham, AL.
Cat's presentation, "Building a Better Bridge: The Transition from Therapeutic Boarding Schools to More Mainstream Schools," highlighted the necessity of understanding and supporting the unique needs of these students. This co-presented topic brought together experts—Cat Jennings, Executive Director and Owner of Asheville Academy; Carolyn Nelson, Educational Consultant at McMillan Education; Shaler Back Cooper, Senior Director of Marketing & Admissions at Cherokee Creek Boys School; John Kaufman, Head of School at Middlebridge School; Rachel Leja, Educational Consultant at McMillan Education; and Matthew Woodhall, Head of School at The Woodhall School—from therapeutic boarding schools and more traditional education systems to discuss how to help students ease into new education environments.
Initially examining the profiles of middle school students who have benefited from the intensive, clinically sophisticated care provided by therapeutic boarding schools, the forum discussed how these students, equipped with a range of essential life and academic skills, are prepared for their entry into more traditional educational environments. The discussion also focused on the pivotal role of mainstream schools in continuing the support and integration of these students into their new academic and social communities.
School representatives and experts highlighted strategies for understanding the unique development stage of middle school students, debunking stigmas, and enhancing the character development and readiness of these students for conventional academic settings. In addition, the importance of supporting parents and staff in fostering a healthy, successful transition was underscored.
Mark Claibourne's presentation, "Therapeutic to Traditional: How to Support Those Kids Before, During, and After Enrollment," discussed a brighter future for students moving from therapeutic boarding schools to mainstream education, ensuring they are integrated and thrive in their new environments. Mark Claiborne, Academic Director at Asheville Academy, Sue Cranford, Director of Enrollment at Eagle Hill School, and David Baker, Associate Director of Admission at St. Johnsbury Academy, co-presented this topic.
With a strong emphasis on collaboration between therapeutic boarding schools and traditional boarding environments, the presenters* outlined a three-pronged approach:
- Ensuring a proper match between student and school before the transition (pre-transition)
- Employing effective strategies for integration during the transition (mid-transition)
- Continuing support and growth after enrollment (post-transition)