Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
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Students arrive at Valley View with a variety of strengths, as well as significant challenges. We serve boys ages 10–15 at the time of admission, who may struggle with ADHD, oppositional behavior, anxiety or depression, executive functioning difficulties, school refusal, learning differences, low self-esteem, grief and loss, trauma, ASD 1, and challenges related to parental divorce or adoption, among other issues.We do not accept students whose primary issues include having a history of substance abuse, significant physical aggression, psychotic disorders, problematic sexual behaviors, conduct disorder, or higher-level autism spectrum disorders.
Our admissions process is nuanced and individualized, and our Admissions team welcomes the chance to talk with parents and professionals about whether a child is the right fit for Valley View. For more information about the admissions process, click here to visit our Admissions page. -
Our program is designed for boys with identified learning disabilities, whose emotional, behavioral, or learning struggles have interfered with their success at home or school. Many of our students have difficulty regulating emotions, maintaining friendships, or trusting adults. We provide structure, therapeutic support, and individualized attention to help them build confidence, self-awareness, and healthier coping skills. -
The average length of stay is approximately 18 months, depending on a student’s needs, therapeutic goals, and family circumstances. Our focus is on meaningful progress rather than a fixed timeline.
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Current tuition is $136,000 per year. Families fund treatment in a variety of ways. Some may pursue school district support, while others may be able to utilize insurance for clinical services. Scholarship assistance is limited and may be available for families who meet eligibility criteria. Our admissions team is available and happy to explore possible funding resources with you.
Tuition covers room and board, academic instruction, individual, group, and family therapy, recreational programming, community service, and 24-hour supervision. Additional costs may apply for specific clinical services or off-campus activities. -
Valley View is a private-pay program and does not contract directly with insurance providers. However, some families are able to seek partial reimbursement for therapeutic services through their insurance company or flexible spending account. Our business office can provide detailed documentation to assist with this process. -
Each applicant is carefully reviewed to ensure an appropriate fit for our therapeutic community. The admissions process typically includes a review of records, psychological evaluations, and conversations with parents and referring professionals. Our Admissions Coordinator will guide you through each step and provide feedback about whether Valley View can meet your child’s needs.
Academics
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Our academic team tailors instruction to each student’s learning profile. We provide small class sizes, individualized education plans, executive functioning support, and targeted tutoring when needed. Teachers collaborate closely with therapists to ensure academic and emotional goals are aligned. We also have a master’s Level Special Education Coordinator who carefully monitors and supports students with learning differences to ensure their learning needs are met.We do not accept students whose primary issues include having a history of substance abuse, significant physical aggression, psychotic disorders, problematic sexual behaviors, conduct disorder, or higher-level autism spectrum disorders.
Our admissions process is nuanced and individualized, and our Admissions team welcomes the opportunity to talk with parents and professionals about whether a child is the right fit for Valley View. For more information about the admissions process, click here to visit our Admissions page. -
Many of our students arrive feeling discouraged or anxious about school. Our faculty create a supportive, low-pressure environment that emphasizes success through positive reinforcement, hands-on learning, and curiosity-based engagement. Rebuilding a healthy relationship with learning is one of our central goals.
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We work closely with families and school-based professionals to ensure smooth transitions. Our admissions team gathers a prospective student’s academic history during the admissions process. Our Academic Director works with every student and family to create an appropriate and individualized learning plan. Our clinical and academic teams also coordinate closely with referring professionals and families to identify appropriate next-step placements — whether a traditional day school or specialized program — based on each student’s readiness and growth.
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Yes. Valley View School is a fully accredited academic institution, and our transcripts are accepted by both public and private schools across the country. Our academic team works closely with families and receiving schools to ensure a seamless credit transfer and transition plan.
Supervision & Care
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During the day, staff are present in classrooms, activities, and common areas. Overnight, awake staff are on duty in each residence hall, conducting regular checks and ensuring all students are safe and supported. -
Our clinical and residential teams are trained to respond calmly and therapeutically. Depending on the situation, a student may meet with their therapist, take time in a quiet space, spend time in the gym or in the makerspace, or receive additional staff support. Our goal is always to help students regulate emotions safely and learn from the experience, and we work closely with each student to figure out what will work best for him when struggles arise. All of our staff members are CPI (crisis prevention training) certified, focusing on de-escalation techniques.
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Valley View uses a relationship-based, restorative approach to challenging behaviors. Instead of punitive measures, we focus on accountability, understanding impact, and rebuilding trust. Staff guide students in reflecting on their choices, developing healthier coping strategies, and learning the skills of relational repair.
Logistics & Visits
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Yes. Family visits are encouraged and planned in collaboration with your child’s therapist to support treatment goals. Families are also invited to Family Weekends held throughout the year, which focus on engaging parents and caregivers with the Valley View team and providing opportunities for in-person family therapy, academic progress updates, and family-centered activities. -
You’ll receive weekly clinical updates, academic reports, and communication from your child’s therapist and program team. We also send out a weekly family newsletter that includes photos, updates on activities, and announcements about upcoming events. Open, ongoing communication is a cornerstone of our partnership with families.
Therapeutic & Clinical
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Every student participates in individual, group, and family therapy with a master’s level clinician. Our approach integrates cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, psychodynamic, experiential and relational modalities. Therapy often extends beyond the office — into classrooms, community activities, and daily living — where boys can practice new skills and receive consistent support. -
Our program is designed for boys whose emotional, behavioral, or learning struggles have interfered with their success at home or school. Many of our students have difficulty regulating emotions, maintaining friendships, or trusting adults. We provide structure, therapeutic support, and individualized attention to help them build confidence, self-awareness, and healthier coping skills. -
You will remain in close communication with your child’s therapist and treatment team. Families receive regular updates, participate in collaborative treatment planning, and are encouraged to attend family therapy sessions, campus events, and home visits. Parents and caregivers also participate in virtual support groups and parent coaching to support their own growth and learning within the family system. -
Our clinicians and staff take time to build authentic relationships rooted in respect, humor, and consistency. Therapy often begins through shared experiences — art, sports, outdoor adventures, or even mealtime conversations — which create space for vulnerability and trust to develop naturally. Our clinicians are integrated into the day-to-day fabric of students’ lives, which shifts the dynamic from what they may have experienced in the past with outpatient therapy. -
Medication management is overseen by our consulting psychiatrist, who collaborates closely with the clinical and nursing teams. Students meet regularly with the psychiatrist to review efficacy and side effects, and parents are included in all medication decisions. Our school nurse serves as the liaison, ensuring clear and timely communication regarding medication refills and other medication-related issues. Medications are securely stored and administered by either the school nurse or other trained staff according to prescribed schedules.
Daily Life & Student Experience
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Each day is carefully structured to balance academic learning, therapeutic work, recreation, and community living. Students attend classes in the morning and after lunch, followed by a variety of afternoon activities (sports, arts, service projects, or clubs), as well as group and individual therapy. They participate in evening routines that promote social skills, cooperation, and responsibility. -
Weekends offer a mix of recreation, community service, and downtime. Students participate in supervised trips — such as hiking, bowling, skiing, or volunteering — as well as on-campus activities like movie nights, music lessons, pick-up sports, and group games. Weekends are an important time for social learning and fun. -
Meals are nutritious, family-style, and prepared by our on-site culinary team. We emphasize fresh, balanced options and can accommodate most dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher and allergy-sensitive diets. There are always a variety of foods served at mealtime so that even picky eaters will find foods they enjoy! Healthy snacks are also provided throughout the day. -
Our staff are trained to provide therapeutic support in real time — during meals, classes, and recreation. Every interaction is an opportunity for learning and growth, and often these micro-interventions are a powerful way to reinforce therapeutic progress. We emphasize emotional regulation, respectful communication, and peer connection throughout the day.
Staff & Team
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Our therapists are master’s level mental health professionals with extensive experience working with adolescents and families. Academic and residential staff receive ongoing professional development in trauma-responsive care, adolescent development, relational practices, and de-escalation techniques. -
Your child will interact daily with teachers, residential counselors, and therapists who collaborate closely as an integrated team. Each student has a primary clinician who serves as their daily point of contact and mentor. -
Clinicians work hand-in-hand with teachers and residential staff, providing consultation, observation, and direct feedback. This integrated approach ensures consistency and therapeutic alignment across all areas of life at Valley View.
AFFILIATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS
Have a question not listed here? Contact our team.