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Program Description

During their enrollment at Mount Bachelor Academy, students have specific, individually developed plans of action and must earn their way through each phase. Because each child is unique, the plans will vary slightly.

All new students enter MBA through Phase I in which they participate in approximately 45-60 days of adventure-based activities. Phase I is a multi-stage process structured around outdoor experiential learning and the introduction of basic principles of healthy living. The completion of Phase I is merit based; therefore, some students will be enrolled beyond the 45-day curriculum. Students will receive academic credit for English, Wilderness/Physical Education, and Environmental Science for participation in Phase I.

The goal of Phase I is for students to enter Phase II aware of:

• Recognition of their responsibility in being placed at MBA
  
• Specific behaviors and attitudes that will not be acceptable at MBA
  
• Commitment to personal accountability and completion of the MBA program
  
• Focus on issues of trust, autonomy, and initiative
• Formation of a strong peer group of 12 – 15 students

Phase I provides students the opportunity to:

• Focus internally and be able to complete an honest personal evaluation
  
• Be challenged physically, mentally, and emotionally through rigorous exercise, daily journaling, and individual and group focus times
  
• Begin to function as a peer group and work as a team

Students enter the second phase of the program, a combination of academic and emotional growth curricula, immediately following the completion of Phase I. The transition between Phase I and the main campus is marked by completion of a Lifestep® called The Bridge. Following this experience, students are oriented to campus life, academics, thrice weekly communication skills groups, off-campus activities, and daily responsibilities.

The goals of the Phase II and III are for students to:

• Identify and replace old coping patterns with new, appropriate ones
  
• Identify strengths and challenges in academic learning styles
  
• Develop and/or refine personal social skills
  
• Identify and resolve family conflicts
  
• Increase self-awareness of their impact on others in the community
  
• Focus on issues of productivity and identity

Through a multi-faceted approach of intellectual, emotional, and experiential learning, students:

• Participate in academic, personal, social, and family seminars
  
• Are challenged daily to raise their standard of academic and personal achievement
  
• Receive positive peer/faculty reinforcement and action-appropriate consequences through individual and group counseling
  
• Identify and develop their core values as they relate to peer group, family, and community

• Scheduled phone calls with students and families
• Access to an Alumni Advisor 24 hours per day in case of the need for unscheduled communication
• Regional support groups, family workshops, and alumni reunions
• Assistance with the location of support systems in their area
• Access to alumni online support group for students and parents
• Cost for one year of services is the same as one month’s tuition and paid at admission

Learn more our Drug and Alcohol Education curriculum here.