Frequently Asked Questions
What age boys does the school enroll?
We work with boys ages 12-17.
Can our son stay beyond the age of 18?
Yes, but he must do so voluntarily. Many boys choose to stay on beyond their required stay to work as interns or to serve the program that has helped them so much.
What is your required length of stay?
Due to the nature of our program and the lessons that need to both be learned and made a part of the habits and lifestyle of the individual before they return to their old environment and friends, parents and students make a minimum 12-month commitment upon enrollment.
What academic program do you offer?
We offer a fully accredited curriculum that is self-paced, accelerated and structured by our in-house teachers. It is designed to help students catch up on their coursework or retake courses to improve their grade point average.
What sports do you offer?
We have competitive team sports in baseball, soccer, boxing, football, basketball, and wrestling, plus an equestrian program in addition to a wide variety of individual recreational options and regular PE classes.
What form of therapy do you provide?
Our pastors and staff provide biblical life direction to individual students. Families are provided assistance and encouragement through seminars and family weekends.
What is your admissions process?
Parents fill out an initial application (free), which goes through a screening process to ensure the student is the right fit for the program. A decision is made within 24 hours (weekdays), and then the parent can begin the enrollment.
Do you have a list of parent references?
Yes, our parent reference list with contact information is available upon request. It is not posted online for obvious reasons.
How do I know this is the right step?
If counseling at home and other measures are not working, we encourage you to prayerfully seek an answer about a residential program such as Agapé. We will work with your boy to teach respect and to bring about care for their future and their family.
Will our son hate us for making this decision to force them away from bad influences and peers at home?
Maybe at first, after a few months here, most boys come to recognize the help their parents gave them by enrolling them in the program. We also provide coaching and guidance to parents throughout the program for what to expect.
What is your screening process for staff?
We perform thorough background checks on all staff, as well as regular and random screenings and reviews of driving records.
How do we know our son will be safe?
We have 24-hour supervision with an 8:1 ratio of students to staff. We invite you to ask about our local reputation by speaking with the sheriff, city hall, or local social services.
Do you offer scholarships?
Scholarships are provided for the most needy families. Alternately, we ensure that our tuition rates are as low as possible, so all families can participate. Donations to Agapé help build buildings and what is left are spread over all residents and reflected in our low tuition rates. We sometimes consider scholarships for a student who needs more time here, not incoming students. Loans are also usually available through American Healthcare Lending.
What if we lose our job and can’t pay?
We will work with families to find solutions in cases of difficult and changing financial circumstances.
How often can I call my son?
Since we are a program designed to bring about change in attitudes and behaviors, we have found that initial contact with the family should be limited. After 30 days, however, students may receive phone calls from parents every other weekend. Letters are permitted at any time, with no limit. We do not monitor phone calls, although there is usually a staff member nearby to ensure the calls don’t get out of hand or abusive of the parents. Students may not initiate phone calls.
What do we need to supply?
Students bring their own toiletry items and underclothes. We provide uniforms.
What if it doesn’t work?
We accept students that we are confident we can help. If our program is not a good fit for your son, we will help you find the right program through our referral network of over 60 programs.
What if my son is expelled?
We make it clear that expulsion (or attempting to run away) will not mean he can go home, but that he will likely go somewhere that is much harder and have to start over. This usually helps keep problems and thoughts of an “easy out” through expulsion in check. If your son is expelled, we will help you immediately find another program.
Do You Offer Loans?
Agapé itself does not offer loans, but we have partnered with Prosper Healthcare Lending, which handles this for us. Ask us about it when you call, or click the button below:
This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.What Others Say About Us
“Agapé has had a long history of helping boys. With improved behavior and impulse control, these young fellows learn to succeed and develop a healthy respect for authority figures, parents and loved ones. As a physician. I strongly support the model practiced at this boarding school.”
David.E.Smock .MD
“Families searching for lower cost boarding schools can’t compromise on quality of the care for their boy. For all the years I have been an educational consultant, Agapé has stood out from the others as offering the most affordable care and quality education for boys.”
My grandson entered Agapé under duress at age 14, a know it all who wouldn’t go to school. The staff at this school turned him around, in effect, replacing his missing father. He graduated as valedictorian this year. I can’t say enough about how this school helped him. He has…
Parent of Former Student