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888.631.5994
Safety & Success
FAQ
What are your safety practices?
We consider safety our number one priority. A full list of our comprehensive safety practices can be found here.
What level of supervision will my child receive?
Your child will be supervised as outlined in our program manual by our qualified and caring staff. The level of supervision our students receive is in direct correlation to the level of severity of their behavioral issues and as required by applicable laws and regulations.
What are the qualifications of the staff caring for my child?
Staff biographies can be found here. In addition, we conduct background checks on all employees prior to hiring to ensure that we hire quality individuals and in compliance with all state regulations. At least one staff member who is First Aid and CPR certified will be available to your child at all times. Our staff also receives ongoing training to enhance our quality of care.
What happens if there is an emergency?
As a program of Aspen Education Group, we have established best practices and risk management procedures which include emergency preparedness training and response. Should there be an emergency situation, such as a natural disaster, you will be notified by someone within our organization with as much detail as possible, as soon as possible. Your child’s safety is our number one priority, and we will do everything it takes to keep our students out of harm’s way.
May I speak with another parent who sent their child to your program?
Of course! We appreciate the fact that you are doing your due diligence when it comes to selecting the right program for your child and, as such, will provide you with a list of references. Just contact us by clicking here. Or, listen and read what some of our program graduates and parents have said here.
What is your success rate?
Your child’s success is dependent on many factors, the most important being the level at which you and your family choose to participate throughout the therapeutic process and your child’s willingness to make positive changes. Our parent company, Aspen Education Group, has voluntarily participated in independent research studies to determine outcome success rates and behaviors. These study results can be found here. Aspen programs have over two decades of experience helping youth and families get their lives back on track.
Where is your program located?
Stone Mountain School is located in Black Mountain, North Carolina, amid the pristine wilderness of the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. Click here to take a virtual tour of our facilities.
What types of students is your program prepared to serve?
We specialize in pre-adolescent and teen boys (ages 11 to 17) who have a history of emotional and learning struggles which have led to unacceptable behaviors. Common problems among Stone Mountain boys include learning differences or disabilities, mild oppositional behaviors, anxiety disorders, mild depression, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Learn more on our Student Profile page.
How much will tuition cost?
Because we offer comprehensive and highly individualized services, costs associated with enrolling in Stone Mountain School depend upon a number of personal factors, including (but not necessarily limited to) anticipated length of stay and the nature and severity of the issues the child is struggling to overcome.
Our admissions advisors will be happy to work with you to develop a detailed financial picture based upon your family’s unique needs.
Does your school provide financing options?
Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. If you're interested in determining if you would qualify for a private loan, we work with an independent loan organizations. Loans can cover tuition, enrollment fees and miscellaneous expenses including transportation to and from the program.
Will my child be working with qualified and licensed professionals?
Absolutely! In addition to being supremely talented, dedicated and experienced, the members of our academic, clinical and administrative teams hold a range of credentials, licenses and certifications.
For more specific information about the professionals who make Stone Mountain School such a powerful and effective program, visit our Staff page.
Is your program accredited?
Yes. We have been accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) and by CITA (Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation).
In addition to being a licensed non-public school (issued by the Governor's office of the State of North Carolina) we have also been certified by the Division of Exceptional Children of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. We operate under a Special Use permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service
How long will my child need to remain at Stone Mountain School?
An average length of stay at Stone Mountain School is 12 months – but determining the ideal enrollment period for your son will involve a comprehensive assessment of his specific history, strengths and needs.
How will Stone Mountain School meet my child’s academic needs?
Our instructors are experienced in employing dynamic teaching techniques to address learning needs presented by students who are ADHD, dyslexic, dysgraphic, NLD, Aspergers, and/or ODD.
Through the use of a nationally standardized curriculum from TenSigma, students earn academic credit in all content areas, and courses are transferable to other private and public schools. Lessons are highly structured and include a combination of whole group lessons and small group or individualized activities.
For a detailed look at how we help students succeed visit our Academics page.
What types of therapeutic/clinical support will my child receive?
Highlights of our therapeutic services include the following:
- Monthly meeting with child psychiatrist for medication management
- Treatment team support for each child
- Weekly individual and group therapy
- Weekly phone conferences between therapist and family
- Highly structured environment
Learn more about how we transform struggling boys into successful young adults.
What is a typical day like for Stone Mountain students?
Students at Stone Mountain School live in cabin-like dormitories that are supervised 24 hours a day by two trained staff members. In a cooperative living environment, students share common spaces and complete chores such as cleaning and laundry, as well as campus chores. In addition, students can learn to cook in our campus kitchen and have opportunities to serve meals in the lodge on weekdays.
Academic lessons are highly structured and include a combination of whole group lessons and small group or individualized activities. The student/teacher ratio is typically 5:1. Quizzes and tests are given regularly, and assignments are graded and returned with specific feedback for each student.
On the weekends students participate in progressive stage-based activities, and opportunities for introspection, adventure, and socialization are based on student development and preparedness.
On-campus activities include camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, gardening, primitive skills, music, and landscaping, as well as sports such as basketball, touch football, soccer, and ultimate Frisbee. Off-campus activities include hiking and camping trips in the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, volunteer and service opportunities, and excursions to local lakes and rivers.
In order to prepare for the post-SMS transition, higher stage students may also have the opportunity to participate in more pro-social activities, such as attending local cultural events or the theater, or going out to dinner in Asheville or the surrounding area.
How much involvement will I have in my child’s experience at your school?
Your involvement is essential to your son’s success, and our program encourages you to remain an active positive presence in his life.
In addition to regular reports from the school and weekly phone conversations with Stone Mountain staff members, you will also be able to stay connected with you son via our secure online Parent Checkin program.
How do you prepare students (and families) for life after graduation?
We work closely with all students and parents to prepare detailed plans to support our students’ continued successes after they complete our program and return home. Transition planning begins the day your son arrives on our campus, and involves a strong family component.
How can I learn more about your school?
Call (888) 631-5994 or visit our Contact Us page. We look forward to discussing the many ways that Stone Mountain School can help your son achieve to his greatest potential.