Boarding School for Defiant Teen Boys

No one does treatment like Diamond Ranch. We have pioneered a unique approach combining the benefits of a small, personalized program with the amenities and opportunities only a large campus can offer.

We have six treatment programs located on one 55-acre campus. This structure allows us to provide specific, customized care for our students in their individual program while still offering the best facilities to the whole campus. Students have access to significantly more resources than any other school.

The Lava Falls program is designed for boys who are approaching adulthood in age, but who are often lagging behind emotionally. They desire independence but are not necessarily prepared for the demands of the real world. Our innovative therapeutic approach is designed to prepare young men to successfully navigate the transition from boy to man.The program is uniquely designed to address your son’s specific needs in an environment that allows him to connect with others his age who are struggling with similar issues.

Academics

The academic approach at Lava Falls is innovative and effective. Most 16 to 17 year-olds don’t see the value in school. They desire instant gratification and struggle with linking their work in the classroom today with benefits in the future. Many students have not experienced academic success and don’t see themselves going to college. Our self-paced, mastery-based educational model assists students in connecting the dots between school and success in life. Your son will enjoy the ability to work at his own pace while still having access to certified teachers in every classroom. Students must receive an 80% or better on all test and assignments, ensuring that they are mastering core content. Our self-paced curriculum allows students to move faster in courses in which they are competent and take more time in the courses with which they struggle. Your son will leave DRA with academic confidence and amazing grades, having built a solid academic foundation. Students who complete their senior year can graduate from DRA with a fully accredited high school diploma.

Accreditation

Accreditation is vital in ensuring that your son’s credits will transfer to other high schools, colleges and universities. Our Laval Falls academic program is fully accredited by AdvancED, the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) and the Utah State Office of Education. You can be confident knowing that the credits your son earns at DRA will be recognized anywhere in the country and internationally.

College and Career Readiness
Diploma Completion or Transition to Another Secondary School
ACT/SAT Testing
PSAT and ASVAB Testing
College Exploration and Applications
Scholarship Applications
Career Exploration
College Course Opportunities for Students that Have Already Finished Diploma
Additional Experiential Learning Activities
Credit Driven Economy

Character Curriculum

We have developed a uniquely designed Character Curriculum specific to our boys 16-17 years of age. This curriculum leads to development of strong character and practical life skills. It is designed to take the boys on a journey of self-improvement by focusing on the values, traits and skills listed below.

Healthy Relationships with Family Members
Healthy Relationships with the Opposite Sex
Personal Hygiene
Social Skills and Boundary Setting
Appropriate Technology Usage
Transition to Adulthood
Independent Living
Conditioning and Fitness
Higher Education
Career Goals
Decision-Making Skills
Interviewing Skills

Therapy

Most young men see little value in therapy. Many have had negative experiences with therapists in the past or were compelled to go to therapy by others. Therapy within the Lava Falls program is different by design. With this age group of young men, the best therapy happens when the student is engaged and open to the process. This why our therapists participate in daily activities with the students. Our therapists are experts at building trusting relationships with teens. Through individual, group and family therapy your son will come to trust in the therapeutic process. Our therapists will guide your son on a journey of self-discovery and personal accountability. He will learn to respect himself and others and how to effectively communicate. Your son’s therapeutic experience at DRA will set the framework for his future success.

Doctorate and Master Degree Therapists
Licensed in the State of Utah
Case Managers
Substance Use Disorder Counselors
EAGALA Certified Equine Specialist
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Crisis Management
Narcotics/Alcoholics Anonymous
Smart Recovery
Addiction/Substance Abuse Counseling
Experiential Therapy
Structural Family Therapy
Solution Focused Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Life Skill Training
Trauma Based Approaches
Art Therapy

Physical Fitness

Exercise is something young people enjoy doing, especially as it’s so beneficial to their mental and physical wellbeing. Physical fitness is important at Diamond Ranch Academy, as we recognize how it increases the overall happiness of our students, while relieving stress, depression, and anxiety. Faculty and staff members at DRA participate in activities that are fun and involve teamwork, so that exercise is a fun and enjoyable activity.