Nature of the Program

A proud member of Aspen Education Group, Aspen Achievement Academy is a therapeutic outdoor program that is designed to meet the needs of underachieving, hard-to-reach, treatment-resistant adolescents. Founded on the philosophy that the combination of experiential learning and cognitive process is the most effective means to treat these students, the academy offers a flexible length of stay, with a minimum enrollment of 35 days.

Aspen provides a multidimensional method of treatment in which an extensive diagnostic assessment is combined with individual components of traditional therapy, experiential education, and "hands-on" outdoor learning. Aspen uses creative approaches with its outdoor experiences, and provides a cooperative, family-like environment that enhances traditional treatment methods.

When they enter Aspen Achievement Academy, new students are assigned to a treatment group that has been specifically selected for them on the basis of their problems and therapeutic needs. This treatment group will consist of a therapist, a teacher, medical personnel, field counselors, and other students.

All new students join a group whose members are at different stages of the program. The benefits of entering a group with an established positive peer culture include positive behavior modeled by peers, an opportunity for "seasoned" students to help new students, and a chance to observe behaviors that are expected of new students as they progress in the program.

It is expected that while at Aspen, each student will successfully complete an assessment period and the following four program phases: 

After successfully completing these phases, the students will be prepared for a final four-day process that will allow them to say goodbye to fellow students and staff members, and will lead to a reunion with their parents.
For a glimpse into the experience of a new student at Aspen Achievement Academy, take a moment to read "Ben's Story".