Cherokee Creek Boys School, a residential therapeutic boarding school for struggling boys ages 10 to 15, announced its support for the upcoming free virtual conference, "What Boys Need As Males," taking place online from January 23 through January 26, 2026. Located in Westminster, South Carolina, Cherokee Creek Boys School is intentionally designed around the science of how boys learn, process emotion, and develop resilience. This research-based approach shapes the school's academic, therapeutic, and recreation programs, and reflects its mission to help boys rediscover confidence, purpose, and joy by creating "a place where boys can be boys." In recognition of this commitment, Cherokee Creek was named the first-ever Gurian Model School, a designation awarded by Dr. Michael Gurian to schools grounded in research on boys' brain development. Dr. Gurian is also a co-sponsor of the What Boys Need As Male global conference.
The conference brings together parents, educators, clinicians, educational consultants, and advocates seeking evidence-based insight into how boys develop and how adults can better support them in today's complex world. The free, online format ensures accessibility for a wide international audience. David LePere, Director of Cherokee Creek Boys School, emphasized the importance of applying research to real-world practice. "Our work has always been guided by a deep respect for the science of boys' development and the responsibility adults share in supporting it. That's why I am attending the What Boys Need As Males virtual conference in January and highly recommending it to others, " said LePere.
For more information about the free conference, https://helpingboysthrive.org/what-boys-need-as-males-conference/.
About Cherokee Creek Boys School
Cherokee Creek Boys School is a year-round therapeutic boarding school for boys ages 10-16 in grades 5-10. It is located in South Carolina in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Founded in 2003, Cherokee Creek is licensed by the State of South Carolina, nationally accredited by The Joint Commission, and academically accredited by Cognia. Cherokee Creek Boys School is a year-round therapeutic boarding school for boys ages 10-16 in grades 5-10. It is located in South Carolina in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Founded in 2003, Cherokee Creek is licensed by the State of South Carolina, nationally accredited by The Joint Commission, and academically accredited by Cognia. For more information about Cherokee Creek, please contact infocherokeecreek.net. For more information about the conference, visit the Helping Boys Thrive Summit Webpage. For questions about Cherokee Creek Boys School, contact Christy Swafford (864) 647-1885 | info@cherokeecreek.net .