Kansas City Girls Academy

Kansas City Girls Academy Review

Kansas City Girls Academy is a private treatment facility and boarding school associated with Teen Challenge. The program is for girls between the ages of 13 and 17. It includes comprehensive substance abuse programming and education, equine therapy, outdoor and adventure therapy and church activities. All treatment takes a Biblical approach while also fostering a safe and supportive environment.

Accommodations and Food

The expansive, home like facilities are on a private and quiet campus. The residential side accommodates up to 39 clients, who sleep in dorm style bedrooms with bunk and twin beds. There are two multi-stall bathrooms and several single showers.

The campus contains all the basics: a large working kitchen, dining hall, rec room, computer lab, classrooms, and living room with tables, chairs, couches and a TV.

Treatment and Staff

The program is based on a level system, and uses a multi-therapeutic approach. A typical student stays in the program for up to 15 months. There are several group therapy sessions weekly. These group sessions include substance abuse education, problem solving, emotional management, and coping skills.

At least one individual therapy session is factored into treatment every week with the student’s primary therapist, along with equine therapy.

Faith is a prime element the program at Kansas City Girls Academy. As a result, there are weekly mandatory church services, and chapel activities three times per week. At chapel the students engage in worship and Bible study.

Master’s-level therapists—who are LCSW and ordained ministers—operate the program. There is also a state certified teaching staff that leads all the academic classes, which residents attend five days per week. They fulfill the state mandated requirements. Students receive a high level of education during their stay. Those who are at the appropriate age to graduate from high school receive diplomas at the end of their term.

Extras

There is physical education five days a week. This includes water aerobics, volleyball, soccer, basketball and softball on campus, and bi-weekly visits to a rec center. There are also outdoor leadership training excursions.

Additional activities include drama class, music, and art. Students have access to an on-campus library that offers a ping-pong table, Nintendo, board games, and a foosball table.

It’s worth mentioning, during their stay clients can expect fun excursions. They go on group trips to places like the Kansas City Zoo, museums, festivals and Royals games.

In Summary

Kansas City Girl Academy welcomes clients from all over the country who are suffering with their addiction or mental illness, and need a respite from their daily lives. As with all Teen Challenges, this program is religious, and it expects clients to attend all church events and weekly worship. However, even if that initially isn’t appealing to parents of potential clientele, the main message is that these girls are worth a better existence. Above all, through this program they learn how to care for themselves and live a life with purpose, as opposed to feeling taken advantage of and scared.