Directors seem to turn over about as often as school principals do nowadays - most of our local schools have a new admin staff every year or two, usually for geographical or family medical reasons. Doesn't seem unusual at all.
We were at Parent Week a couple weeks ago - our daughter was MUCH better, a lot of her old-self coming back. She was excitied that she was close to earning her saddle (certain horsemanship classes have to be completed before you get off barebak riding), has pretty much adopted her "own" horse, and is thriving. The only negative things I can comment on are a lot of hazing of new kids - but again, this is usual stuff at any "boarding" school, whether for troubled teens or not - and the staff deals with it appropriately.
We had plenty of time to meet with and ask questions of staff, could wander around and check out anything just about any time, ate with the kids and staff (comments were "hey, you guys are getting the same stuff we get", which was pretty decent. A lot of cafeteria-type food on a more nutritious scale, much recognizable Costco-branded stuff). Pizza one day from a local (THE local...) pizza place, which the kids get once a week or so.
The recreation activities wee trmemndous - the guy in charge is in a wheelchair...but doesn't let that stop him. He's enthusiastic, a super teacher, and uses problem-solving, not just "workout".stuff. The other teachers were communicative, far more dialed-in than public school teachers, and clearly communicated progress. goals, and answered questions.
The dorms are really nice - like an upscale "camp" or sorority house. Nice conditions, plenty of free time, and lots to do without undue controls. Day-to-day supervisors were very nice, got along well with the girls and always had their eyes moving - always watching...and that's a good thing.
The worst part of the whole trip was the long drive to and from Salt Lake City Airport. Even the local towns, Loa, Bicknell and Torrey were nice - and the scenery is stunning. The ranch itself is both huge and beautiful - oh, and the ropes course is working fine, and has been for quite some time.
But the most important thing is our daughter is making a turnaround - talks in letters (and while we were there) about the good things she misses, things she wants to do again, and how she's happy she's there - she DOES want to go home, but she's smart and knows she needs time to "reorient" herself. She smiles a lot now. She laughs when we talk to her on the phone. Those are things that had been missing for a long time.
If you think it might be appropriate for your son or daughter...if outdoors activity, working with animals as therapy, and a clean, country environment are what you are looking for, we highly recommend checking Aspen Ranch out. Call them, talk to several people on staff. Get a feel for the place, and see if it's a good fit. It is for our family, and it has likely saved our daughter's life. PS, my wife is making a surprise birthday trip to visit - and staff has arranged for a "package" to be picked up by our daughter at the office - the "package" being mom, and then a small party, plus extra visiting time while she's there - and this isn't "parent week", just regular school time. That really sounds like an awful, abusive place, huh?
If anyone has questions, post them and I will try to come back more often to answer. YOU ALWAYS have to make your own decisions, but one thing to remember is that complainers always are louder and more visible than happy folks, because they have an agenda....take that into consideration as well.
Best of luck and good wishes to anyone in a similar situation. I truly know how difficult it is.
