Montcalm School Parents Brochure

Montcalm School for Boys and Girls

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We have been around the block with treatment programs. Your program and the positive approach of building on strengths benefited my daughter greatly.

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Montcalm School Parent

The journey to adulthood isn’t always easy, especially for children who struggle with academic, social, emotional and behavioral issues. You can lose months and even years trying different programs and alternatives, hoping to find one that finally helps your child make good grades, good friends and good choices.

Newton Hall

At Montcalm School for Boys and Girls, parents with concerns just like yours have brought their sons and daughters to our therapeutic boarding school in south central Michigan hoping for the best. The good news is, at Montcalm School they find it.

Our strength-based approach and the positive therapeutic practices that have earned it an international reputation are designed to bring out the best in every child.

At Montcalm, your child will find friends, self-confidence and skills that will last a lifetime. Parents often tell us their only regret is not making the decision sooner.

Students – Treatment Approach

Had a good relationship with a staff member - 77.4%

Learned new skills for problem-solving - 71%

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Montcalm School is a private, therapeutic boarding school offering practical, real-world solutions for the families of struggling girls, ages 12-18 and boys, ages 12-21. Students from around the country live on our beautiful Michigan campus where they make academic gains, positive friends and receive specialized treatment and attention for behavior-related issues, including conduct and high-functioning autism spectrum disorders.

Towsley Recreational Center

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Montcalm put my son’s life back on track.

Hardly a day goes by that he doesn’t mention a friend or experience he had at Montcalm.

Montcalm School Parent

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Montcalm School was founded on the principles of Starr Commonwealth, a nationally recognized organization established in 1913 on a simple but very profound truth: there’s no such thing as a bad child. Starr’s legendary founder knew inherently what recent studies in deep brain learning prove – every child, even the most challenging, has the capacity for positive, lasting change. This foundational principle, and the practicebased learning tools that have developed around it, create a change in the inner child for positive, lasting change in outward behavior.

We look for what’s possible, not for what’s wrong.

Every child has strengths. They may be hidden behind oppositional behaviors. They may be hidden in them. Every treatment and educational plan is built around the individual student and begins with a series of strength-based academic, developmental and behavioral assessments to identify the private logic-driving behaviors, as well as the individual strengths and supports around which to build interventions for healing, growth and resilience.

We believe in the power of peers.

Students of similar ages and with similar issues live, study and build relationships together in small groups in a positive, therapeutic home environment. Dedicated therapists and staff are part of the family and guide the group as they learn to use their own strengths to manage behaviors and cope with challenges.

Become part of something bigger: Helping young people develop a stronger foundation of social interest allows them to discover in themselves what it really means to be connected to the world they live in. At Montcalm, students are given many opportunities to practice these skills both on campus and in the community through service learning projects like volunteering for Special Olympics.

We see obstacles as opportunities.

Montcalm’s treatment model meets the developmental needs of Belonging, Mastery, Independence and Generosity – the pillars of healthy brain development which support resiliencies that lead to good decision making. Strength-based tools and techniques are used to resolve conflict in a non-threatening environment where students feel respected and valued.

We help kids become part of something bigger.

Opportunities to help others can assist youth in developing empathy and a stronger foundation of social interest. Montcalm students are regularly involved in meaningful volunteer activities that build self-worth, as students come to see their own value and place in the world.

We embrace the family.

We believe that any therapeutic treatment program for youth that doesn’t include the family is missing one of its most critical components. You’re a valued part of treatment planning and involved right from the start. You’ll receive regular progress reports from us, and we encourage and appreciate your insights.

Parents – Montcalm Experience

Satisfied with program - 91.6%

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Montcalm School works with physicians and licensed clinicians to provide: • Psychiatric services • 24/7 Medical clinic services • Medication management

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I would have to say Montcalm helped me get confidence to the point that I wanted to reach my goals and dreams.

Montcalm School Student

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You all have given me my daughter back. I have seen so many wonderful changes in her that I am amazed every time I visit.

Thank you for helping her meet her potential.

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– Montcalm School Parent

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Montcalm School is located on 350 magnificently wooded acres in Albion, Michigan, a testament to another of our core beliefs: beauty is a silent teacher, We believe students begin to see in themselves what they see reflected around them, from staff members who treat them with dignity and respect to an academic program that’s sensitive to their learning style. At Montcalm School, everything is therapeutic, from our peaceful setting to the way we live, learn, relax and have fun.

Chapel-in-the-Woods

HOW WE LIVE Cottages Each of our carefully maintained residential cottages has its own charm and family-like feel. Some are nestled under a canopy of trees while others are located by peaceful paths.

Norton Cottage

Recreation Facilities A full-size gym, junior Olympic pool, racquetball courts, exercise room and an outdoor state-of-the-art track are all staffed by recreational therapists who provide instruction, experience and opportunities for physical activity. At Montcalm, everyone’s included.

Chapel-in-the-Woods While our program is grounded in a Judeo-Christian ethic, we embrace and encourage students of all faith traditions that recognize and celebrate our connectedness to God and each other.

Students – Social Interaction

Koby Cottage Our beautiful, on-campus guest house was constructed for visiting families and offers a warm and encouraging place to reconnect and spend time with your child. Even the story behind Koby Cottage is uplifting. The house was designed and built thanks to the generous gift of a former student’s grateful family.

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Made friends with other students - 83.9%

Found opportunities for recreation and activity - 93.3%

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Groups of students live together in an inviting and home-like cottage setting.

Each one shares a bedroom as well as the day-to-day responsibilities of life among peers. Daily life includes: • Doing laundry • Preparing meals • Assigned chores

Koby Cottage

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The most rewarding thing is being able to give a child and their family hope. I’m able to tell them that there are options that are positive in their approach; that it doesn’t have to be punitive.

Educational Consultant

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Wilcox Cottage

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HOW WE LEARN Many students come to us with a history of poor grades, due in large part to long stretches of time spent out of school for behavior issues. The result is often a student whose self-esteem and motivation are low. They may have given up on school or become resistant to attending at all. At Montcalm, small classes, specialized attention and an uninterrupted instruction schedule can make a dramatic difference in a struggling student's academic performance and overall outlook.

Montcalm offers a broad range of academic options and individualized instruction for students at all levels of ability, from elementary school through college. Youth are assessed at the beginning of the treatment program to determine skills and strengths and to help set goals. Assessments at the end of treatment identify and measure academic gains and improvements. Typically, students show an average of two to-four years of growth in each assessed area. Parents can also track their student’s progress using Centre, an Internet-based software.

• Montcalm’s on-campus school and faculty of full-time teachers are licensed by the Michigan Department of Education. Students can graduate with a diploma from Montcalm School or, if possible and desired, arrangements can be made for a graduating student to receive a diploma from his or her home high school.

• Classes are conducted weekdays on campus during regular school hours and are taught by talented teachers, who are highly skilled at assessing and accommodating individual learning styles. Our teachers are part of the treatment team and are always up to date on your child’s treatment issues and progress.

• Post-educational plans are developed with home school districts, vocational schools, colleges and universities. Nearby educational opportunities allow students to continue their education after high school.

A community college is conveniently located across from our campus, and local technical schools are also nearby.

Advanced Courses and College Credit Montcalm School not only offers a curriculum to fulfill the general credit requirements for high school graduation but advanced, interdisciplinary college preparatory courses in English, math, science, foreign languages, social sciences, outside electives and more.

Our partnership with the local community college allows Montcalm students to earn college credits. Students can also participate in Michigan Virtual High School for online learning classes.

Students – Academics

Found academic help available when needed - 90.3%

Felt better off because of their stay (6 – 12 months later) - 77%

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Starr awarded more than $200,000 in college scholarships to graduates last year. Montcalm alumni are continuing their academic careers at colleges and universities worldwide, such as these: • • • • • •

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DePaul University Albion College Macomb Community College Michigan State University Bluffton University Eastern Kentucky University

We have seen such a wonderful, positive change in ourthe son.

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help me. School Parent Montcalm

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This campus changed my life!

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Montcalm School Student

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HOW WE HAVE FUN Outdoor Adventure Montcalm School’s magnificent natural setting offers plenty of opportunities for hands-on lessons in science and nature, as well as group-building activities such as high ropes courses and climbing walls.

All Starr Choir and Fine Arts Program Our popular performing arts group is comprised of gifted young singers and musicians who enjoy sharing their talents and inspiring stories at local concerts and on-campus events. In addition to choir, students participate in music therapy sessions led by a licensed music therapist. We also offer individual and group instrument lessons.

All Starr Choir

Parents – Montcalm Experience

Felt included in goal setting for child - 94.7%

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At Montcalm School, every experience is considered part of therapy, from classes that help kids gain mastery and confidence to sports activities that encourage friendship and teamwork. Service learning plays a key role, too. Helping others through volunteering builds empathy in youth and a deep sense of their own connection to the wider community.

You allofhave given me the my Most the girls have daughter back. I Ihave same problems do. I seen like so manybecause wonderful changes that they have in her that I am amazed experienced it andevery can time help I visit.me.

Thank you for helping meet her potential.

–her Montcalm School Student

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I want to express my gratitude to the music department and choir. They were essential in helping her get some confidence back.

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Montcalm School Parent

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OUTSIDE IN® For youth with developmental disorders The inability to read social cues and participate in the normal give and take of a relationship can create a special kind of loneliness and pain in a child. Outside In, Montcalm’s innovative, specialized social skills program helps youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders build the social and academic skills they need to live richer, fuller lives. Montcalm’s therapeutic, strength-based treatment approach helps kids at all ability levels learn to self-regulate their emotions and build coping skills.

Like all Montcalm programs, students of similar ages and abilities live together in small groups in a comfortable, family-like cottage setting with clinicians and therapists who are sensitive and encouraging. They attend school, participate in household duties and enjoy recreation opportunities together. For many, it’s the first time they’ve experienced true friendship – the lessons of which last a lifetime.

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Length of stay is determined by the individual needs of the student Year-round school, including summer, with rolling admissions Individualized Learning Style Assessments Low student-to-teacher and student-to-clinician ratio Occupational Therapy as needed Ongoing communication and progress reports Full access to health clinic, schools, gym and Outdoor Adventure Education activities

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Montcalm’s Sensory Integration Room helps students who are hyper- or hypo-responsive to environmental stimuli learn to process missing sensory cues.

An Occupational Therapist works directly with students to help them identify activities that are alerting, relaxing, self-soothing and grounding to help them selfregulate emotions and how to use these coping skills in school and relationships.

Sensory Integration Room

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Most ofathe girls have If I see child who is the same problems I do. I like depressed or despondent that because and has given they up, I have can experienced and can tell them thatitthere’s help me.for them where a place –they Montcalm School Student can do exciting and challenging things.

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Educational Consultant

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CROSSROADS® Structured Transitional Living for young adults Parents who never dreamed their sons and daughters would graduate from high school or turn their lives so completely around actually planted the seeds for Crossroads, our program for young adults, ages 17-21.

Crossroads students live independently in fully furnished, individual apartments or share a house on the Montcalm campus while they attend nearby colleges, vocational schools or are employed. A focus on individual strengths and the power of peers helps students maintain academic and social gains for long-term success. In addition to regular counseling sessions, students receive life skills training in everything from budgeting and meal planning to maintaining a home.

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The staff has been wonderful with my client.

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Educational Consultant

Students – Crossroads Experience

Learned to shop and prepare meals - 100%

Made friends during stay - 100%

Learned to identify personal strengths - 100%

Parents – Crossroads Experience

Received regular updates on child’s progress - 100%

Met child’s academic needs - 83.3%

Taught child problem-solving skills - 85.7%

Saw positive changes in child - 100%

Satisfied with total program - 100%

Would recommend program to others - 86%

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For more information about Montcalm School or to arrange for a personal tour, contact us at 866.244.4321 or visit www.montcalmschool.org.

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Montcalm is a great place for kids in need of structure and immediate accountability. Young people can advance academically because of the one-on-one attention in the classroom and it’s a good place for kids in need of mentoring.

Montcalm School Parent

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866.244.4321 www.montcalmschool.org Montcalm School is SEVIS approved.

Montcalm School is a private program of Starr Commonwealth, trusted since 1913.

To find out more or to schedule a campus tour, call toll free at 866.244.4321.

To inquire about our program and services, please visit www.montcalmschool.org

13725 Starr Commonwealth Road Albion, MI 49224 866.244.4321 517.630.2512 montcalmschool.org

Š Starr Commonwealth 2012