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FAQ

Where is your program located?

We are located on 630 acres of forest, meadows, beaver ponds and mountain streams in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley. We are about 20 miles from the “Five College Area,” that is home to The University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Smith College, Mount Holyoke, Amherst College and Hampshire College.

What types of students is your program prepared to serve?

ASR is a coeducational boarding school for students in grades 9 to 12 (ages 14-17.5). Our students are bright, engaging, verbal, college-bound students who have gotten "off-track." They may be experiencing difficulties with substance abuse, mood disorder, coping skills, mild learning differences and family stressors. Most of our students have successfully completed a therapeutic wilderness program or other intervention prior to enrolling at ASR.

Do any disorders or issues disqualify a student from enrolling in your school?

We are unable to accept students who meet any of the following criteria:

• History of violence
• Conduct disorder
• Active eating disorders
• Active self-harming behavior
• Runaway risk
• Active suicidal ideation
• Full scale IQ below 95

How much will tuition cost?

Because we offer comprehensive and highly individualized services, costs associated with enrolling in the Academy at Swift River depend upon a number of personal factors, including (but not necessarily limited to) anticipated length of stay, nature and severity of mental health/emotional issues and the need for substance abuse/addiction counseling.

Our intake advisors will be happy to work with you to develop a detailed financial picture based upon your family’s unique needs.

Does your school accept insurance or provide financing options?

Financial assistance is available through our partnership with Clark Behavioral Health Financing. CBHF features multiple loan products with competitive rates, and a possible deferral of interest for up to 6 months with no prepayment penalties or cancellation fees. For more information visit our Admissions page or call (800) 258-1770.

Will my child be working with qualified and licensed professionals?

We recruit the very best teachers, clinical professionals and support personnel from around the country to serve our students and their families. Our experienced and dedicated professionals possess a wide range of qualifications, credentials and licensures. For more information visit our Faculty and Staff page.

Is your program accredited?

Yes. We are accredited by the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA), and we have been approved as a private school by the Mohawk Trail Regional School Committee in compliance with Massachusetts Chapter 71 Section 1. We have also been approved and qualified to accept international students by the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

How long will my child need to remain at your school?

The average enrollment period at the Academy at Swift River is 15 to 18 months, though some students who stay longer for either academic or therapeutic needs. For therapeutic reasons, it is not recommended that students stay for less than one full year. A projected length of stay plan is usually developed during parents’ initial working visit, which takes place four to six weeks after the student arrives on campus.

How will your school meet my child’s academic needs?

Students take a full load of college-prep courses each trimester consisting of five classes plus a study hall – and all student progress is supervised by a personal academic advisor. To support our students, we offer academic mentors, subject/skill tutorials, study skills training and a host of additional academic support services. For details visit our Academics page.

What types of therapeutic/clinical support will my child receive   ?

Our therapeutic curriculum has helped us achieve recognition as one of the nation’s top boarding schools. Highlights of our therapeutic support include the following:

• Individualized goal-attainment approach based on needs assessment
• Weekly individual counseling session
• Weekly treatment groups
• Substance abuse evaluation
• Motivational-enhancement treatments, mutual help groups, and relapse prevention
• Life Phase Seminars
• Periodic topic-focused parenting workshops
• Medication consultation and management

For details visit our Counseling Services page.

What is a typical day like for a student at your school?

For an in-depth look at ASR student life, visit our Student Life page or view a sample daily schedule.

How much involvement will I have in my child’s experience at your school?

Your active participation will be an essential component of your child’s success at ASR. Within the first week of enrollment, one of these professionals will contact you to set up regular, weekly communication. They will also be the ones conducting the weekly individual sessions with your child and will organize the family working visits. Learn more about family involvement at ASR.

How do you prepare students (and families) for life after graduation?

We will develop a transitional care plan prior to your child’s completion of our program, and our Alumni & Transitional Care Coordinator (ATCC) will continue your relationship with ASR by providing support and coaching to fulfill and maintain plan.

I’ve researched a number of schools for my child. What makes your program so special?

We at Academy at Swift River are genuinely committed to helping your child reclaim his or her life in a fulfilling and meaningful way. We believe that is not only our duty, but our honor, to provide your child with the highest quality care.

To accomplish this objective, we have established an innovative and highly effective program that is capable of being customized to meeting the unique needs of each student who enrolls with us. We combine academic and clinical excellence with unparalleled professionalism and unequaled dedication to the continued progress and well-being of every student.

From pre-enrollment discussions through post-graduation support, the Academy at Swift River offers an unmatched level and continuum of care for students and their families.

How can I learn more about your school?

Call (800) 258-1770 or visit our Contact Us page. We look forward to answering all your questions about the Academy at Swift River!