At Cherry Gulch, we believe that education is the cornerstone of our lives. We offer an outstanding curriculum that covers all core subject areas including English, Math, History and Science. We also offer other elective programs including Art and Computers and even Wilderness Survival and Judo. Lessons are designed to be fun and engaging and are tailored to each student's needs. Our low student to teacher ratio allows us to give each student what he needs to succeed.

Our Educational Philosophy includes:

• •   Create a pro-social environment rich with content and instruction
• •   Develop basic academic skills, critical thinking and good study habits
• •   Present core subject matter with emphasis on problem solving, executive     order reasoning and cognitive motivation
• •   Encourage healthy attitudes toward education that will facilitate life-long     learning

Cherry Gulch is certified by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS) and meets or exceeds the academic standards set by the State of Idaho. Cherry Gulch's academic staff is comprised of certified post-graduate teachers with more than 40 years instructing at-risk populations. Direct Care Staff also engages students by participating in the educational processes at Cherry Gulch. This provides our students with unique and diverse learning experiences. Our academic program is integrated seamlessly with the therapeutic boarding portion of student's experience, creating an immersive learning environment. Instruction also includes Sean Covey's books, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" and "The 6 Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make." A Student's placement is determined by a series of factors: interviews, previous grade reports, standardized testing results, and placement assessments. Students impacted by strong emotional issues or possible learning disabilities are given special attention. Individualized academic plans are created for these students to be sure that they perform at their best. A school Semester is not determined by a set number of day/hours of instruction but rather as the amount of work completed by the student bearing in mind their academic/learning needs and individual issues. As our students learn more about the world around them, they begin to learn more about themselves. Success in the classroom often translates to success in life for troubled teens.

Curriculum

Language Arts/English — Cherry Gulch's Language Arts/English program builds important reading and writing skills while inspiring a love of literature. Combining Phonics, Literature, Language Skills, and Spelling lessons, the Language Arts/English program emphasizes classic works, teaches writing as a process, and prepares students for standardized tests in language skills and reading comprehension.

Math — Cherry Gulch's Math program balances mastery of fundamental skills with critical thinking and problem-solving. We emphasize active approaches to engage students in mathematical concepts. Fun problem solving activities such as Brainetics, (www.brainetics.com), are used regularly in the class as well as other activities to reinforce learned math skills.

Science — Cherry Gulch's Science program balances hands-on experience with traditional systematic study of scientific terms and concepts. Students perform experiments to help them understand scientific principles, and receive guided instruction in important scientific concepts. Exploring life, earth, and physical sciences; Cherry Gulch nurtures curiosity, analytical skills, and an appreciation of how the world is shaped by ongoing scientific and technological advances. Field trips include activities such as: competing in FIRST LEGO League and Team America Rocketry Competition, visits to Micron Technologies, Idaho Fish and Game, Boise State University and other relevant sites pertinent to the study of Science and Technology.

History — Cherry Gulch's Social Studies program, integrating topics in Geography and Civics, opens young minds and imaginations to far-off lands, distant times, and diverse people. Classes emphasize the story of History-a story that includes not only great men and women but also everyday people. Cherry Gulch believes that children should be introduced to humankind's legacies. Different cultures throughout history have bequeathed a rich legacy of knowledge and experience that creates our common culture as human beings. Learning activities include visits to Paleo-Native American sites, Oregon Trail camps, and Reenactments of Mountain Men, Pioneer Life, and early frontier miners.

Extended Curriculum

Art — Art lessons introduce students to great works of art from different cultures and eras, while engaging them in creative activity-painting, drawing, molding with clay, and more.

Psychology of Daily Living: This class meets once a week for instruction in emotional intelligence, feelings and emotions vocabulary, identifying emotions, reading body language, social skills, coping skills, empathy, anger-management, anxiety-management, dealing with depression, self-esteem, substance abuse prevention, and managing symptoms of ADHD. Adjuncts to this course include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, equine assisted psychotherapy, therapeutic experiential activities, and community meetings.

Chess: Students who are interested in participating in chess receive coaching from a three time National Chess Champion they also participate in several tournaments. Chess has a numerous benefits including increasing logic and reasoning scores.

Computers/Technology: This course is organized as a club to make it more fun and engaging for students. Corporate Kids CyberKlub (CK2) is a high-tech club designed to motivate and support youth to successfully learn, stay in school and prepare for life… technologically, economically, educationally, and socially. For more information visit CK2.org.

Cotillion: This course teaches students etiquette, manners, conversation skills, and dining survival.

Judo: Eligible students participate in judo twice a week and are able to compete in a number of tournaments.

Wilderness Survival: Our students will naturally learn about the outdoors through our field trips, camping trips, fishing trips, and various outdoor experiential activities. We also have a number of staff members who are experienced outdoorsmen and women.

Goal Setting/Careers Class: Through a variety of exciting cross curricular activities, students will receive instruction on goal setting and career options through CK2, field trips, etc. In conjunction with their Language Arts course, students will give career related presentations and develop essays about careers they are interested in.

Physical Education: Physical exercise is entwined throughout the program. Students exercise as they ride horses, participate in experiential activities, hike around the adjacent mountains, attend judo classes, and participate in games and initiatives. We also offer intramural sports and outdoor recreation.

World Religions: At Cherry Gulch, we teach our students morals and values. We also offer same faith mentoring when available. Students who have earned their off campus privileges will have the opportunity to attend church services in town with our staff. It is our intention to take students to their place of worship once a month even if it requires us to take a trip to Boise. As part of the spiritual component to our program we plan to provide students with an overview of the major world religions. With parental consent students will be able to experience religious services of various faiths. We celebrate holidays from several different faiths and a Jewish Rabbi visits campus twice a month.

Zoology: Students at Cherry Gulch will learn a lot about horses through our equine program. They will also have the opportunity to learn about cattle as they will be going on mini cattle drives and will be immersed in ranch life. Our students will have the opportunity to care for a number of small and midsize animals at the ranch such as goats, sheep, chickens, etc. They will undoubtedly encounter wildlife at the ranch and at our camp in Stanley, Idaho. Idaho is number one in the world for birds of prey. We have a variety of wild birds and animals at Cherry Gulch. Much of the students education about plants and animals will be the result of their participation in 4-H. The 4-H club offers a variety of educational projects, activities, and curriculum.

Agriculture / Horticulture: Cherry Gulch is located in an agricultural community and students will have the opportunity to learn about farming. Students will participate in gardening and will care for a small orchard. The 4-H club provides further opportunities for students to learn about plants.