Who are we and why did we open the Discovery School of Virginia?
Chris Yates, Don Williams and Allan Jacobson have been working together for over twenty-five years in outdoor therapeutic programs. Over the years we have developed a strong belief that long term therapeutic camping is a setting that facilitates positive change. We opened The Discovery School of Virginia in November of 1998. Due to the ongoing success of our boys’ school, the repeated requests by referring professionals for us to open a girls’ school and the readiness of our staff to expand their particular responsibilities we opened The Discovery School for Girls in September of 2007. As the owners, we are involved daily in supervision and management of both programs.
What is your philosophy?
To make positive changes, young people with emotional and behavioral problems must be held accountable for their actions. The outdoor setting and the group process play a vital role in helping young people see themselves honestly. Young people who are properly challenged emotionally, mentally, and physically will develop a positive sense of self-worth and a sense of responsibility. Academic success follows emotional and personal growth. Family reintegration is based on mutual respect, good communication, and effective problem solving.
Where are you located?
Within easy driving distance from Richmond, Charlottesville and Lynchburg, Virginia. Also within driving distance are Washington DC, Raleigh, NC and Norfolk, VA. Each city has airport services.
Who is considered for placement?
Boys and Girls, Ages 11 to 17, Grades 6th to 12th
What is a typical student profile?
Immature, Angry, Impulsive and Oppositional.
What is a typical Diagnosis?
ADD/ADHD, Learning Disorders, ODD, Depression, Dysthymic Disorder, Mood Disorder NOS, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Adjustment Disorders and Attachment Disorders. Diagnosis also considered when minor: Conduct Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, Tourettes.
How are psychotropic medications monitored at The Discovery School?
Since The Discovery School accepts students with a wide variety of diagnosis we will discuss at admissions if a students' current medications can be safely administered and monitored in our outdoor setting. A consulting physician visits the school on a monthly basis and meets with all students who are prescribed psychotropic medications. In these meetings the physician checks on a student's progress and makes changes in their treatment plan as needed.
Who is ruled out?
Prospective students who present as a threat to self and/or others. Have Borderline Intelligence, Medical Limitations or Organic Impairment. Are considered Suicidal, Psychotic or Serious Conduct Disorder. Have extensive court histories or have engaged in significant Criminal Behaviors.
What is the cost?
Please call to talk with Don Williams or Mike Forman regarding tuition costs. We operate as a for-profit small business and work to provide an affordable, quality service without inflated administrative or marketing costs. At the same time we realize that our costs are beyond the financial means of a number of parents. We are willing to consider requests for up to a 12% reduction in tuition payments for parents who demonstrate a sincere need. Since we are a for-profit business, we are not eligible for grants or contributions from non-profit resources. However, if a potential student is being provided Special Education services via his or her school system, the school system may pay partial or full tuition costs if “residential services” are written into the IEP.
Do you have openings?
Enrollments occur year-round. We anticipate openings throughout the year, especially at the semester break and the end and the beginning of the traditional school year.
How do you prepare students for college?
Positive Climate: We teach that school is a privilege and challenge each student to do his or her best work in the classroom. Our teachers understand the importance of personalizing instruction—not just having high expectations, but having the right expectations for an individual student. With frequent consultation, our typical college-bound student learns to give a clear self-assessment of his or her abilities and performance, and learns to identify strategies to address future challenges.
Concentrated Activities: Faculty and group staff help the student match his or her evolving college ambitions with the practical concerns that stem from personal readiness and family dynamics. The individualized academic experience can be modified to allow for SAT registration and preparation, practice with completing applications and essays, and researching particular institutions, all within the classroom framework. Students receive encouragement, support, and a developing sense of independence throughout the process.
How do you address vocational needs?
Every student participates in and receives credit for an integrated vocational curriculum. Our curriculum includes tool use/maintenance, basic woodworking, building and design elements. Particular care is taken to teach task assessment and job-related interpersonal skills such as communication and conflict resolution. Since their skill development is so vital and immediate to group functioning, students come to see the positive work ethic developed in campsite as the foundation for success in other areas of their lives—personal, academic, and professional. All students become eligible to apply for on-campus jobs as they progress through the program, giving experience with the job application and interview process. Campus jobs include grounds-keeping, building maintenance, and food-preparation. In special circumstances, we have arranged off-campus internships with community businesses. These placements are based on demonstrable need, availability, and the student’s ongoing commitment to his or her growth at the school.
