Golden Tree Academy

Unfortunately, due to U.S. law, new schools are not able to immediately enroll international students. We hope to offer enrollment to international students one to three years after the start of school operations.

What are the benefits of boarding?

Studies have shown that boarding students study more, participate in more community activities, and are better able to learn independence and responsibility to a greater degree than their peers in day schools. Our students are especially well suited to the boarding program as it helps them develop greater social, life, executive functioning, and leadership skills than would be possible in a traditional day program. Most importantly, the boarding program enhances the child's liklihood of developing strong, long-lasting friendships.

Boarding programs which emphasize academics also provide additional opportunities to develop one's skills to their fullest. "During the academic year, boarding schools become extended families where teachers and students live and learn together. The 24-hour community of a boarding school environment allows the faculty to seize every teachable moment whether in the classroom, on the playing field, or in the dormitory." (The Association of Boarding Schools)

Why a junior boarding program?

There are many programs currently available for high school aged students. We are striving to create a program that is developmentally appropriate for intermediate and middle school aged children. Including high school aged students in the program would likely lead to a program and staff more appropriate for that age range, leaving the younger students left behind.

Golden Tree Academy includes social skills as part of its curriculum. It our belief that children in the intermediate and middle school grades are more likely to profit socially from being with other kids their age than with high school aged students.

By this age, school and the peer group become something close to a child's entire world, and the right school at the right time can be akin to a lifesaver. (Quirky Kids 195)

It is also our belief that having teachers and staff who are trained in working with children of intermediate and middle school age, and who genuinely enjoy working with the age group, will provide the best overall education for the students enrolled at Golden Tree Academy.

If kids will ever need a specialized or separate school environment, even for a year or two, this [middle school years] is most likely the time. (Quirky Kids 192)

Does Golden Tree Academy accept day students?

Yes, Golden Tree Academy is a both a day and boarding school.

What type of child is appropriate for the school?

Students attending Golden Tree Academy will come from a wide variety of backgrounds, each with their own unique personality and experiences. While there is no exact profile, many of the students will show one or more of the following characteristics:

Ability to learn at a faster pace than typical age peers
Prefers a small, structured, supportive, and caring school environment
Desires developmentally appropriate courses not offered at local school
Learns well when given individual attention by faculty
Enjoys extra-curricular activities not highlighted in typical schools

Our school is not appropriate for students who are out of control, overtly oppositional, prone to excessive anger, developmentally disabled, psychotic, physically or sexually abusive, or exhibit criminal behavior including, but not limited to, bullying, theft, assault, and drug abuse.

Do you accept children with nonverbal learning differences?

Yes. Children who show symptoms of, or have a diagnosis of, one or more mild nonverbal learning differences (NLD) such as Asperger Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder, Depression, PDD-NOS, various anxiety disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or Tourette's Syndrome are often excellent candidates for our program.

Do you accept children with IEPs or 504 plans?

An evaluation of the child's individualized program will be conducted prior to admission to determine if Golden Tree Academy can effectively serve the child's needs.

Under the provisions of Public Law 94-142, children with an IEP may be eligible for state or district funding for the cost of Golden Tree Academy tuition. Consult with a lawyer and your local school district to determine your child's eligibility.

Do students have to be of high intelligence in all academic areas to attend?

No. Most of our students will excel in one or more areas and need extra support in others. As a small school with a flexible schedule, we are able to place students in developmentally appropriate classes that encourage students to further enhance their gifts and develop upon their weaknesses.

How do you deal with bullying or teasing?

We realize that many students that come to us have been bullied or teased at school and are looking for an environment that does not have these associated problems. While no school can promise absolutely no teasing or bullying, our life and social skill programs incorporate lessons about what bullying and teasing are and the associated issues brought about by such actions.

We are cognizant of the fact that many kids who have been bullied at school are the ones who get in the most trouble, due to the bullying behavior being overlooked, while the bullied person acts out against the bullying.

Whether physical, verbal, or emotional, we take bullying and teasing very seriously. Any child caught bullying or teasing will be counseled on their actions and parents will be notified. Repetition of bullying and teasing will result in dismissal from the school.

Does Golden Tree Academy offer therapy?

Golden Tree Academy is not a therapeutic school and therefore does not have a psychologist on staff. Golden Tree Academy will work closely with local therapists to provide individual services, such as speech and language pathology, occupational therapy, and counseling, to students. Parents or guardians will be charged the rate which is arranged directly with the therapist.

What are the class sizes?

The average core class (Mathematics, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science) size will be no more than 8 with a maximum class size of 10. The student to staff ratio will be no greater than 4 to 1. Other classes, such as physical education and arts may have a larger class size.

What athletic programs are provided?

Golden Tree Academy offers students daily physical activities and team building exercises to ensure a healthy lifestyle. We do not place a strong emphasis on competitive athletic programs - students instead participate in physical activities that develop visual skills, motor skills, coordination, and self-confidence. A few of these physical activities are horseback riding, rock climbing, golf, aerobics, dance pads, skiing, tennis, Pickleball, archery, and traditional pick-up games. Students also play in cooperative, large-group recreational games to develop teamwork and sportsmanship.

How is tuition determined?

Tuition is based on actual operating expenses of the school. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Golden Tree Academy does not profit from tuition.

How are staff members selected?

All teaching staff members are required to possess appropriate teaching certification. All staff, faculty, administration, and support staff are required to submit to extensive state and federal criminal background checks before being hired.

What should I do if I have additional questions?

Please with any additional questions you have.