Solstice East knows that adolescents must feel prepared and confident in facing various real-life scenarios. Well-intentioned parenting styles can have unintended negative consequences, such as a younger generation who now have lower distress tolerance, minimal confidence, and a dampened ability to problem-solve on their own. Students can be better prepared for the independent tasks required to lead a stable and balanced adult life by creating opportunities to practice these skills.

“At Solstice East, we believe in empowering adolescents to face real-life challenges with confidence and readiness. We understand the potential pitfalls of certain parenting approaches and strive to equip our students with the necessary skills to lead stable and balanced adult lives. Providing opportunities to practice essential life skills ensures our students are better prepared for independence,” says Executive Director Carla Shorts. “And our unique small private school and residential setting allow us to innovate, bringing back vital ‘adulting’ skills lost in traditional education.”

Gone are the days of Home Economics courses in public schools where students learned how to cook, do taxes, and perform childcare tasks; many of these hands-on adulting skills have vanished from the traditional education system. Solstice East’s small private school and residential setting allow for the unique opportunity to get creative and incorporate many of these lessons into the day-to-day experience of students. This three-day Academic Seminar focuses on Career and Personal Finance and will be a tailored experience for students to dive into real-life scenarios and decision-making. From budgeting to time management, the workshop will culminate with a “Game of Life” led by their teachers, where students will randomly select various life circumstances as they navigate through the “adult” world awaiting them.   

Solstice East is a residential treatment center serving adolescents (Female, Transmale, Non-binary) ages 14–18 struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance abuse, and trauma and its associated symptoms. This program focuses on relationship-based treatment—emphasizing high levels of family intervention, emotional safety, and healthy boundaries.