Frequently Asked Questions
Can a student earn high school credits while they are at Teen Challenge?
Students have the ability to earn high school credits while at Teen Challenge. These credits can later be transferred to either private or public schools following the student's completion of the Teen Challenge program. Each subject is divided into 10 units. Each unit contains lessons, quizzes, projects, and a final test. One half (1/2) credit is earned for every 5 units completed in a subject. A full credit is earned for every 10 units completed in a subject. Students must complete at least 5 units in a subject before any credit will transfer.*
*Since the "No Child Left Behind Act" was implemented, some states are requiring students to pass a minimum competency exam in subjects before credit is allowed to transfer back into their schools.
Can a student enter at any time during the year?
We accept new students throughout the year. Intake Days are scheduled on Monday mornings at 9:00 AM (CST). Below are the scheduled entry dates for 2010.
| | January 11 | July 19 |
| February 1 | August 23 | |
| March 1 | September 13 | |
| April 5 | October 11 | |
| May 17 | November 1 |
Is the tuition tax deductible?
No.
How quickly can a student come in?
It is possible to complete the entire intake process in less than 2 weeks.
What do I need to do to get my child into Teen Challenge?
Step 1 - Fill out an application and send it in.
You may download the application from our website, or you can contact us, and we will mail, email, or fax it to you. After the application is received, a preliminary decision will be made about whether an applicant should be admitted into the program. The parent or guardian will be notified of this decision within 2 business days. An attempt will then be made to set up a phone interview with the prospective student.
Step 2 - Phone Interview.
The applicant must be interviewed by the intake director prior to final approval being given for admission into the program. The parent or guardian will be notified of this decision within 24 hours of the interview.
Step 3 - Complete and return all Pre-Entry Packet forms.
The parent or guardian will be given a Pre-Entry Packet after their child has received final approval for admission. All Pre-Entry forms must be completed and returned prior to a student's entrance into the program.
Step 4 - Schedule an entry date.
Intake appointments are scheduled on Monday mornings at 9:00 AM.
My son is facing legal charges. Can the judge and/or probation officer be notified that he has been approved for entry into Teen Challenge?
Yes. We will work with the judge and /or probation officer to keep them informed of the entry status and of the student's progress at Teen Challenge.
What kind of license to operate does Teen Challenge Ranch have?
Teen Challenge Ranch of NW Arkansas is a licensed residential facility with the Arkansas Department of Human Services. The program is accredited with honors by Teen Challenge International, USA. The academic portion of our program is accredited with The Accrediting Commission International, Inc.
Will you accept someone on medications?
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) must inform Teen Challenge if their child is on any type of medication. Medications should be discussed early in the application process. It is our preference to work with students that are not on psychiatric, mood altering, or behavior modifying medications. Students on such medications should consult with their doctor to determine if it is appropriate or possible for the student to go off of the medications before coming to Teen Challenge. Any student who is to be taken off of medications after entering the program must provide Teen Challenge with clear written instructions from the physician indicating how a student is to be weaned off of the medication and on what schedule. Students who are to continue taking medications while at Teen Challenge should meet with their physicians during their home visits at least quarterly to assess whether a student needs to remain on medication or to determine whether changes should be made.
How much does it cost to send my child to Teen Challenge?
The tuition for Teen Challenge Ranch of NW Arkansas is $1500 per month. Discounts are available. Please see Tuition and Fees for further information.
Do you offer any financial assistance?
Yes. It is the goal of Teen Challenge that no child be turned away due to finances. Families have the opportunity to apply for Clark Behavioral Health Financing, obtain scholarship* funding, and seek special assistance* funding for tuition costs. Families in need of additional assistance should contact us in order to determine what their financial options are. A Financial Assistance Packet is available to help families through the funding process.
*Scholarship funds and special assistance may be limited. Students in need of additional financial assistance may have to be placed on a waiting list until such funding becomes available.
Contact Us
Email: mail@arkansasteenchallenge.org
Phone: (479) 848-3105
Fax: (888) 844-1669
Mail: Teen Challenge, PO Box 20, Morrow, AR 72749