Thursday, July 16, 2009
Sue Scheff: Myths of Military Schools
In many Military Schools, your child needs to interview with the school, have a good GPA and in many cases have letters of references. Another words, they have to have a desire to attend a Military School. In some cases they may go reluctantly, but are not beligerent about it. Usually if you start them younger, you will find your child more cooperative.
So what are Military Schools?
Military Schools and Academies offer a student the opportunity to reach their highest academic potential as well as build up their self-esteem to make better choices in today’s society. We encourage parents to let their children know that Military Schools are a privilege and honor to attend and not for troubled children.
Military Schools are not for punishment; they are a time for growth. With many students the structure and positive discipline that Military Schools offer are very beneficial. It not only encourages them to become the best they can be, it enhances them to grow into mature respectable young men and women. Many students do not realize they would enjoy Military Schools until they actually visit the campus and understand the honor it is. Military Schools will give your child the vision to reach their goals and dreams for their future. The high level of academics combined with small class sizes creates a strong educational background.
Many ADD/ADHD students do very well in a Military School and Military Academy due to the structure and positive discipline. If your child is ADD or ADHD you may want to consider this type of environment. Many parents start with a summer program to determine if their child is a candidate for Military School.
Military Schools and Academies tuitions vary. Most start at $22,000.00 per school year. There is financing available through lenders and some scholarships. Visit http://helpyourteens.com if you would like more information about Military Schools and believe your child would be a good candidate. As a parent of a child that is ADHD, he successfully graduated Military School and obtained a full academic scholarship in a private college and starting medical school next year. Military Schools are an exceptional education for many students.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Military Schools and Academies
Has your child mentioned military academies to you? Have they expressed an interest in attending such a school? If so, you as a parent have an obligation to listen, and more importantly to help them make the right decision.
A military school teaches various ages (middle school, high school, or both) in a manner that includes military traditions and training in military subjects. The military is a prominent force in America today, and with so much press it is very easy for a child to become exposed to this type of education as a viable option in their own lives. While this is perfectly acceptable on its own, like many of life's choices it needs to be considered fully before a commitment is made. There are many factors that go into choosing the type of schooling that is appropriate for your child, and it is important that you and your child approach the subject together, as the both of you will have to reap the consequences of this decision in the future.
It is advisable to assess honestly the needs of your child, the requirements that will be placed upon them in a military school and what you as a parent bring to the mix. With many students the structure and positive discipline that military schools offer are very beneficial. It not only encourages them to become the best they can be, it enhances them to grow into mature respectable young men and women. Military schools and academies offer a student the opportunity to reach their highest academic potential as well as build up their self-esteem to make better choices in today's society, within a very rigid and disciplined framework. It is this framework that forms the backbone of the military school experience, and one of the chief distinctions between military educations and those of other schools. It is important to note that this structure will suit some students more than others, and this will largely determine a child's chances of success in a military school setting. Military schools can give your child the vision to reach their goals and dreams for their future. The high level of academics combined with small class sizes create a strong educational background from which they grow into productive, happy adults.
Learn more here.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Sue Scheff: Summer Military Programs

Military Summer Programs can build self confidence, make new friends and a great jump start to a new school year! Need help, email us at www.helpyourteens.com - we would be happy to send you information.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Sue Scheff - Why Choose a Military School

Quality education is the foundation of all schools; each prepares young men and women to be strong leaders and involved citizens.
Character counts and military schools offer an exceptional educational experience with emphasis on character development, leadership training, and academic excellence.
Values are important and military schools stand on core values--like honor, integrity, duty, service and self-discipline.
Traditional values are the hallmarks of AMCSUS schools and the graduates we produce reflect a commitment to these values.
Service is rewarding and military schools emphasize developing a lifelong commitment to community, and country.
Structure works for many, and experience suggests a structured setting provides an ideal academic environment in which to learn and mature.
Success can be leveraged and military schools are committed to the lifelong development and career of each graduate.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Sue Scheff - Military Schools
One of the first questions that you and your child will have to face when contemplating military schools is the matter of a day school versus a boarding school. Many military schools are boarding schools, and others are simply magnet schools in a larger school system. This is an important distinction, and just one that you will have to assess with your child when looking at military schools.
A boarding school is a school where some or all pupils not only study, but also live during term time, with their fellow students and possibly teachers. The word 'boarding' in this sense means that the school provides food and lodging for pupils. Within the military school context it should be obvious why this is a common practice; the military likes to instill individual resourcefulness in its people, and the earlier the better. Military boarding school pupils may spend the majority of their childhood and adolescent life away from their parents, although pupils return home during the holidays and, often, the summer break. Detached from the outside world on a daily basis, military school students are more easily taught the virtues and values prominent in the military, and these are reinforced by the relative isolation that a military boarding school offers.
In addition, this distance from “civilian” life further reinforces the distinction between the military lifestyle and that of non-military citizens. On the occasions that boarding military school students venture off campus they are met with a world that they can comfortably move through, all the time noting the differences between their daily lives and of those around them. Many former boarding students from military schools report that the boarding experience was crucial in their understanding and adoption of the virtues being instilled within them. It should be noted that while boarding schools are, possibly correctly, perceived as instilling social and personal survival skills and keeping children occupied, they also exclude children from normal home-based, domestic daily life. Some children in boarding schools are liable to take on a sense of exclusiveness and superiority to others. It is not uncommon for children who have been to such schools to speak with different, learned accents than local children, play different sports, and miss out on local activities.
In contrast to boarding school, a day school is an institution where children are given educational instruction during the day and after which children return to their homes. It is a common model in the United States, adhered to by virtually all public schools, and a great many private ones (such as military schools) as well. Basically, classes are held from sometime in the morning to sometime in the afternoon, approximately along the lines of a normal adult work day. Very often there is a break for lunch, and different schools have different policies regarding whether or not students may or leave campus during the day. Military day schools still retain all the discipline and traditions as their boarding counterparts, the only distinction being whether the students remain on campus over night or not.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Sue Scheff: Military Summer Programs - Get Information Now

Saturday, January 24, 2009
Sue Scheff - Military Schools
As a reminder, Military Schools are an excellent opportunity for boys and girls that need motivation and stimulation, however your child has to have somewhat of a desire to attend.
These are not schools for at-risk or troubled kids.
I think Military Schools offer a great sense of responsibility and discipline for children.If you think your child may do well in a Military School take the time to research them.Email me for more information at www.helpyourteens.com - As a parent, my son attended a Military School and it was an excellent education and experience.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Sue Scheff: Financing Boarding Schools and Military Schools
Financial Options
Have you recently discovered the high costs of Boarding Schools, Military Schools, Therapeutic Boarding Schools, Residential Treatment Centers, Wilderness Programs and other avenues of academic and emotional growth assistance?
For the average middle class family the fees can be staggering. Even people of means can have sticker price shock at the tuition of these programs. Due to the extensive costs of operating these specialty schools with the appropriate licenses, credentialed staff as well as certified educational accreditations, it is extremely expensive.
The average cost of private Therapeutic Boarding Schools and Programs is about $4000.00 per month, usually all inclusive. There is usually a processing fee that is separate from the tuition that can range from $1500.00 - $2500.00. This fee usually includes insurances, administrative costs, and other various costs such as uniforms, haircuts, toilettes, field trips etc. Other programs will have an additional fee for uniforms. When choosing a program, be sure to ask specifically what is included and what extra fees can be expected. If a private program is less than $3000.00 per month, please be sure to do your research.
Many programs offer a discount if your full tuition is paid up front. This is an individual decision, depending on your financial circumstances as well as your family’s needs.
Educational Loans:
Financing these programs can be available to you in a variety of ways. The Educational Loan is one that is typically used by many families. There is usually no application fee and allows the family to have a reasonable monthly fee within their financial means. It is very similar to a college loan. Key Bank, Sallie Mae, Chase Bank, Clark Custom Loans and PrepGate are the most common used lenders for Educational Loans.
College Fund Option:
If a child has a college fund, it may be a good time to use it. Although we expect our children to go to college, when the time comes and he/she is ready for that step, and you have exhausted your college fund, there are always grants and scholarships to a wide variety of colleges that you could apply for. Getting your teen the help he needs to ensure he makes it to college is what you are concerned with at this time.
Individual Educational Plan (IEP):
Does your child have an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) through your local school district? In some cases this may defer some of your tuition costs in respect to the academic component of a Boarding School or Program. If you have an IEP in place for your child, it is important to ask the school or program you are considering if they work with IEP’s and discuss the reimbursement process. For more information on IEP’s click here http://www.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/iepguide/index.html
Credit Line/Home Equity:
Another popular alternative to financing a program is a Home Equity Credit Line. This can be beneficial to you in a few ways. Not only is a convenient way to access money that is needed, it can also be a tax deduction in regards to the interest payments. Please keep in mind, in some cases the program you are sending your child to can also be a tax deduction in regards to medical expenses. Usually the therapeutic and medical portion of the tuition can be deducted. Check with your Tax Preparer or Accountant for more information.
Credit Cards:
Credit Cards, although they usually have a high interest rate, may be able to provide you with the initial monies to enroll your child until you are able to access an Educational Loan, Credit Line, or other means of payment. Many parents will use a Credit Card that accumulates Airline Miles or other beneficial services, and then pay the credit card off within the 28-30 days with their credit line or other financial means. This prevents you from being charged the finance charges. It can be a way to earn airline travel that can help when it comes time to visit your child if they are out of state.
Medical Insurance:
Contact your Medical Insurance Provider to see if they cover residential placement. Some will cover the first 30 days or possibly the therapeutic portion of your child’s stay which is usually one third of the tuition. PPO’s are typically more likely to cover some costs, however it never hurts to check with your insurance company. In searching for programs, you may want to ask the program if they accept your insurance or have experience with how much you could expect from your specific insurance company.
Family, Church, or Employer:
Many families will borrow from relatives or in some cases; employers have been known to contribute to the family. In some cases this could also be a tax deduction for a relative or employer. Some churches will have specific funds to help families within their parish. If you are a member of a church or other faith based organization, it can’t hurt to ask.
Scholarships:
Don’t be afraid to ask the program if they have scholarships, some do have limited financial aid, so it is important to ask.
My Blog on Financing keeps up with new lenders as they become available. Always remember your local United Way and see what resources they have available.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Sue Scheff - Are you considering Military School for your child?
As a reminder, Military Schools are an excellent opportunity for boys and girls that need motivation and stimulation, however your child has to have somewhat of a desire to attend.These are not schools for at-risk or troubled kids.
I think Military Schools offer a great sense of responsibility and discipline for children.
If you think your child may do well in a Military School take the time to research them.Email me for more information at www.helpyourteens.com - As a parent, my son attended a Military School and it was an excellent education and experience.