Alternative Disciplinary Schools for Troubled Kids in Pennsylvania

The Circle School

• At The Circle School, located in Harrisburg, children will learn to develop the deeply ingrained passion to grow and reach their potential. Kids will learn to be independent, face challenges, and rely on themselves by working alongside staff members to govern the school, both in rule-making processes and in disciplinary hearings. Children enrolled at this school are given freedom, but learn that their choices have natural consequences. Some more extreme behavioral cases may be declined admission. The Circle School does charge tuition, but financial aid is available and is based on income.

The Lifeworks Alternative School

• The Lifeworks Alternative School, located in Doylestown, is a private school for trouble youth from grades K through 12. Since 1964, this school has been working with disruptive children and teens to alleviate conflict, overcome challenges and providing guidance for how coping with everyday life. Lifeworks accepts children needing all levels of care, ranging from acute hospital care to day school programs. Some children may require residential care, where a tailored plan can treat mental illness, suicidal tendencies and social problems, including sexual behaviors and impulse control. Students attending the day school will be educated in core subjects by staff trained to work with disorders, such as ADD, ADHD, learning disabilities and other behavior problems.

KidsPeace

• KidsPeace Schools are located in Bethlehem, Allentown, Orefield and Temple and admits students from grades 1 through 12 who have emotional or behavioral problems, mental retardation, learning disabilities or severe depression. KidsPeace schools offer a wide range of care, ranging from psychiatric hospitalization to education to help change their lives. KidsPeace offers psychiatric analysis, alternative learning and residential plans. Many types of health insurance are accepted to help alleviate cost.

Buehrle Alternative Education School

• Buehrle Alternative School is located in Lancaster and serves children from grades 6 to 12. Buehrle accepts students from the Lancaster school district who have been expelled from traditional schools for misbehavior. The school is managed by Camelot, a nationwide management company with a focus on changing childrens' lives and helping them graduate. Buehrle focuses on intense education and identifying and changing unacceptable behaviors. Buehrle students may re-enter mainstream schools once their behavior is under control and academics are at acceptable grade level.

River Rock Academy

• River Rock Academy offers individualized plans for children grades 6 through 12. River Rock offers day services for children that have been removed or are nearing expulsion from the Adams and York County schools. Students work with the staff to change their lives and situations by learning and fostering the school's core values of responsibility, commitment, honesty and excellence. As of 2011, there were eight different campuses to choose from.