Northwest Academy

My son attended in 2015 for 3 months. Horseback riding is not onsite and limited in numbers. There are a few dogs in kennels, primarily adult pit bull mixes. I only observed punitive consequences. My son with PTSD/RAD was placed in a small tent for 3 days in March (food and water was brought to him by a staff member). Isolation/rejection is emotionally damaging to him and causes regression. I asked the school director to please speak to my son's outside counselor before imposing such a consequence, her response was they do not consult with outside professionals they have their rules. My son said he never felt very safe there, tried to talk to his counselor before he had to go to the tent but she was too busy and he did not get to see her. I asked for occasional face to face family counseling and was denied. Counseling had to be Skyped. During a crisis I asked to speak to my son, I was denied. Razor blades were provided while my son was there (for shaving), which were checked out and expected to be returned. The location is beautiful and food was excellent. For our family the program was not what we expected from the sales pitch we received.