Montcalm School for Boys and Girls

We have been around the block with treatment programs. Your program and the positive approachof building on strengths benefited my daughter greatly.”Montcalm School Parent

The journey to adulthood isn’t always easy, especially for children who

struggle with academic, social, emotional and behavioral issues. You can

lose months and even years trying different programs and alternatives,

hoping to find one that finally helps your child make good grades, good

friends and good choices.

At Montcalm School for Boys and Girls, parents with concerns just like yours have

brought their sons and daughters to our therapeutic boarding school in south central

Michigan hoping for the best. The good news is, at Montcalm School they find it.

Our strength-based approach and the positive

therapeutic practices that have earned it

an international reputation are designed

to bring out the best in every child.

At Montcalm, your child will find friends,

self-confidence and skills that will last

a lifetime. Parents often tell us their

only regret is not making the

decision sooner.

Students – Treatment Approach

Had a good relationship with a staff member - 77.4%

Learned new skills for problem-solving - 71%

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Newton Hall

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Montcalm School is a private,

therapeutic boarding school offering

practical, real-world solutions for the

families of struggling girls, ages 12-18

and boys, ages 12-21. Students from

around the country live on our beautiful

Michigan campus where they make

academic gains, positive friends and

receive specialized treatment and

attention for behavior-related issues,

including conduct and high-func-

tioning autism spectrum disorders.

Towsley Recreational Center

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Montcalm put my son’s life back on track. Hardly a day goes by that he doesn’t mention a friend or experience he had at Montcalm.”Montcalm School Parent

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Montcalm School was founded on the principles of Starr Commonwealth, a nationally recognized organization established in 1913 on a simple but very profound

truth: there’s no such thing as a bad child. Starr’s legendary founder knew inherently

what recent studies in deep brain learning prove – every child, even the most challenging,

has the capacity for positive, lasting change. This foundational principle, and the practice-

based learning tools that have developed around it, create a change in the inner

child for positive, lasting change in outward behavior.

We look for what’s possible, not for what’s wrong.Every child has strengths. They may be hidden behind oppositional behaviors. They may

be hidden in them. Every treatment and educational plan is built around the individual

student and begins with a series of strength-based academic, developmental and

behavioral assessments to identify the private logic-driving behaviors, as well as the

individual strengths and supports around which to build interventions for healing,

growth and resilience.

We believe in the power of peers.Students of similar ages and with similar issues live, study and build relationships together

in small groups in a positive, therapeutic home environment. Dedicated therapists and

staff are part of the family and guide the group as they learn to use their own strengths

to manage behaviors and cope with challenges.

We see obstacles as opportunities.Montcalm’s treatment model meets the developmental needs of Belonging, Mastery, Indepen-

dence and Generosity – the pillars of healthy brain development which support resiliencies

that lead to good decision making. Strength-based tools and techniques are used to resolve

conflict in a non-threatening environment where students feel respected and valued.

We help kids become part of something bigger.

Opportunities to help others can assist youth in developing empathy and a stronger

foundation of social interest. Montcalm students are regularly involved in meaningful

volunteer activities that build self-worth, as students come to see their own value

and place in the world.

We embrace the family.We believe that any therapeutic treatment program for youth that doesn’t include the

family is missing one of its most critical components. You’re a valued part of treatment

planning and involved right from the start. You’ll receive regular progress reports from

us, and we encourage and appreciate your insights.

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Parents – Montcalm Experience

Satisfied with program - 91.6%

Become part of something bigger:

Helping young people develop a stronger

foundation of social interest allows them

to discover in themselves what it really

means to be connected to the world they

live in. At Montcalm, students are given

many opportunities to practice these skills

both on campus and in the community

through service learning projects like

volunteering for Special Olympics.

Montcalm School works with physicians

and licensed clinicians to provide:

• Psychiatric services

• 24/7 Medical clinic services

• Medication management

You all have given me my daughterback. I have seen so many wonderful changes in her that I am amazed every time I visit. Thank you for helping her meet her potential. ”– Montcalm School Parent

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I would have to say Montcalm helped me get confidence to the point that I wanted to reach my goals and dreams. ”Montcalm School Student

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Montcalm School is located on 350 magnificently wooded acres in Albion,Michigan, a testament to another of our core beliefs: beauty is a silent teacher, We

believe students begin to see in themselves what they see reflected around them,

from staff members who treat them with dignity and respect to an academic program

that’s sensitive to their learning style. At Montcalm School, everything is therapeutic,

from our peaceful setting to the way we live, learn, relax and have fun.

HOW WE LIVE

CottagesEach of our carefully maintained residential

cottages has its own charm and family-like

feel. Some are nestled under a canopy of trees

while others are located by peaceful paths.

Recreation FacilitiesA full-size gym, junior Olympic pool,

racquetball courts, exercise room and an outdoor state-of-the-art track are all staffed

by recreational therapists who provide instruction, experience and opportunities for

physical activity. At Montcalm, everyone’s included.

Chapel-in-the-WoodsWhile our program is grounded in a Judeo-Christian ethic, we embrace and encourage

students of all faith traditions that recognize and celebrate our connectedness

to God and each other.

Koby CottageOur beautiful, on-campus guest house was constructed for visiting families and offers

a warm and encouraging place to reconnect and spend time with your child. Even the

story behind Koby Cottage is uplifting. The house was designed and built thanks to

the generous gift of a former student’s grateful family.

Students – Social Interaction

Made friends with other students - 83.9%

Found opportunities for recreationand activity - 93.3%

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Chapel-in-the-Woods

Norton Cottage

Groups of students live together in an

inviting and home-like cottage setting.

Each one shares a bedroom as well as

the day-to-day responsibilities of life

among peers. Daily life includes:

• Doing laundry

• Preparing meals

• Assigned chores

Koby Cottage

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The most rewarding thing

is being able to give a child

and their family hope. I’m able

to tell them that there are

options that are positive in

their approach; that it doesn’t

have to be punitive.”Educational Consultant

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Wilcox Cottage

HOW WE LEARN

Many students come to us with a history of poor grades, due in large part to long

stretches of time spent out of school for behavior issues. The result is often a student

whose self-esteem and motivation are low. They may have given up on school or become

resistant to attending at all. At Montcalm, small classes, specialized attention and an

uninterrupted instruction schedule can make a dramatic difference in a struggling

student's academic performance and overall outlook.

Montcalm offers a broad range of academic options and individualized instruction for

students at all levels of ability, from elementary school through college. Youth are assessed

at the beginning of the treatment program to determine skills and strengths and to help set

goals. Assessments at the end of treatment identify and measure academic gains and

improvements. Typically, students show an average of two to-four years of growth in each

assessed area. Parents can also track their student’s progress using Centre,

an Internet-based software.

• Montcalm’s on-campus school and faculty of full-time teachers are licensed by the

Michigan Department of Education. Students can graduate with a diploma from Montcalm

School or, if possible and desired, arrangements can be made for a graduating student

to receive a diploma from his or her home high school.

• Classes are conducted weekdays on campus during regular school hours and are

taught by talented teachers, who are highly skilled at assessing and accommodating

individual learning styles. Our teachers are part of the treatment team and are always

up to date on your child’s treatment issues and progress.

• Post-educational plans are developed with home

school districts, vocational schools, colleges and

universities. Nearby educational opportunities allow

students to continue their education after high school.

A community college is conveniently located across

from our campus, and local technical schools

are also nearby.

Advanced Courses and College CreditMontcalm School not only offers a curriculum

to fulfill the general credit requirements for

high school graduation but advanced, inter-

disciplinary college preparatory courses

in English, math, science, foreign languages,

social sciences, outside electives and more.

Our partnership with the local community

college allows Montcalm students to

earn college credits. Students can also

participate in Michigan Virtual High

School for online learning classes.

Students – Academics

Found academic help available when needed - 90.3%

Felt better off because of their stay (6 – 12 months later) - 77%

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Most of the girls have the same problems I do. I likethat because they have experienced it and canhelp me. ”

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Starr awarded more than $200,000

in college scholarships to graduates last

year. Montcalm alumni are continuing

their academic careers at colleges and

universities worldwide, such as these:

• DePaul University

• Albion College

• Macomb Community College

• Michigan State University

• Bluffton University

• Eastern Kentucky University

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We have seen such a wonderful, positive change in our son. We see hope and vision in his eyes, something we never thought we would see.”Montcalm School Parent

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This campus changed my life! ”Montcalm School Student

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HOW WE HAVE FUN

Outdoor AdventureMontcalm School’s magnificent natural setting offers plenty of opportunities for

hands-on lessons in science and nature, as well as group-building activities such as

high ropes courses and climbing walls.

All Starr Choir and Fine Arts ProgramOur popular performing arts group is comprised of gifted young singers and musicians

who enjoy sharing their talents and inspiring stories at local concerts and on-campus

events. In addition to choir, students participate in music therapy sessions led by

a licensed music therapist. We also offer individual and group instrument lessons.

All Starr Choir

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Parents – Montcalm Experience

Felt included in goal setting for child - 94.7%

At Montcalm School, every experience

is considered part of therapy,

from classes that help kids gain

mastery and confidence to sports

activities that encourage friendship

and teamwork. Service learning

plays a key role, too. Helping others

through volunteering builds empathy

in youth and a deep sense of their

own connection to the wider

community.

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Most of the girls have the same problems I do. I likethat because they have experienced it and canhelp me. ”– Montcalm School Student

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You all have given me my daughter back. I have seen so many wonderful changes in her that I am amazed every time I visit. Thank you for helping her meet her potential.

I want to express my gratitude to the music department and choir. They were essential in helping her get some confidence back.”Montcalm School Parent

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OUTSIDE IN®

For youth with developmental disordersThe inability to read social cues and participate in the normal give and take of a relation-

ship can create a special kind of loneliness and pain in a child. Outside In, Montcalm’s

innovative, specialized social skills program helps youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders

build the social and academic skills they need to live richer, fuller lives. Montcalm’s

therapeutic, strength-based treatment approach helps kids at all ability levels learn

to self-regulate their emotions and build coping skills.

Like all Montcalm programs, students of similar ages and abilities live together in small

groups in a comfortable, family-like cottage setting with clinicians and therapists who are

sensitive and encouraging. They attend school, participate in household duties and enjoy

recreation opportunities together. For many, it’s the first time they’ve experienced true

friendship – the lessons of which last a lifetime.

• Length of stay is determined by the individual needs of the student

• Year-round school, including summer, with rolling admissions

• Individualized Learning Style Assessments

• Low student-to-teacher and student-to-clinician ratio

• Occupational Therapy as needed

• Ongoing communication and progress reports

• Full access to health clinic, schools, gym and

Outdoor Adventure Education activities

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Montcalm’s Sensory Integration

Room helps students who are

hyper- or hypo-responsive to

environmental stimuli learn to

process missing sensory cues.

An Occupational Therapist works

directly with students to help

them identify activities that are

alerting, relaxing, self-soothing

and grounding to help them self-

regulate emotions and how to

use these coping skills in school

and relationships.

Most of the girls have the same problems I do. I likethat because they have experienced it and canhelp me. ”– Montcalm School Student

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If I see a child who is depressed or despondent and has given up, I can tell them that there’s a place for them wherethey can do exciting and challenging things.”Educational Consultant

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Sensory Integration Room

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CROSSROADS®

Structured Transitional Living for young adultsParents who never dreamed their sons and daughters would graduate from high school

or turn their lives so completely around actually planted the seeds for Crossroads,

our program for young adults, ages 17-21.

Crossroads students live independently in fully furnished, individual apartments or share

a house on the Montcalm campus while they attend nearby colleges, vocational schools

or are employed. A focus on individual strengths and the power of peers helps students

maintain academic and social gains for long-term success. In addition to regular counseling

sessions, students receive life skills training in everything from budgeting and meal

planning to maintaining a home.

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Students – Crossroads Experience

Learned to shop and prepare meals - 100%

Made friends during stay - 100%

Learned to identify personal strengths - 100%

Parents – Crossroads Experience

Received regular updates on child’s progress - 100%

Met child’s academic needs - 83.3%

Taught child problem-solving skills - 85.7%

Saw positive changes in child - 100%

Satisfied with total program - 100%

Would recommend program to others - 86%

The staff has been wonderful with my client.”Educational Consultant“

For more information about

Montcalm School or to arrange

for a personal tour, contact

us at 866.244.4321 or visit

www.montcalmschool.org.

Montcalm is a great place for kids in need of structure and immediate accountability. Young people can advance academically because of the one-on-one attention in the classroom and it’s a good place for kids in need of mentoring.”Montcalm School Parent

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13725 Starr Commonwealth Road

Albion, MI 49224

866.244.4321 517.630.2512

montcalmschool.org

© Starr Commonwealth 2012

866.244.4321

www.montcalmschool.org

Montcalm School is SEVIS approved.

Montcalm School is a private program of Starr Commonwealth, trusted since 1913.

To find out more or to schedule a campus tour, call toll free at 866.244.4321.

To inquire about our program and services, please visit www.montcalmschool.org