Program

Boys Home is more than a place to live. It is a place to grow.

 

What does it cost?

Families are charged on a sliding scale according to their ability to pay for services. No child is turned away due to his family’s inability to pay, and extensive scholarships are available. The Boys Home program is supported by donors, fundraising, grants, and various other types of contributions.

Who lives at Boys Home?

Young men ranging in age from 6 to 17 live here. A group of counselors, teachers, mentors, and administrators lives with them to help them grow into healthy, confident men.

Who sends a child to live here?

  • Parents
  • Social workers
  • Guardians

Why send a child to live here?

It is natural to wonder why someone might entrust a young man to our care. Our residents come to us for a variety of reasons, including:

  • An unsafe or unhealthy home environment
  • Repeated truancy issues
  • Falling behind academically
  • His family is unable to provide for him
  • Behavioral problems at home

It is not a reflection of lack of love or concern to consider Boys Home. Often, bringing a child to grow with us is the most loving thing one can do.

How the Process Works

For over a century, the Boys Home program has included a plan that eases the transition for our students.

Phase I: Welcome and Evaluation

  • 30 to 60 days
  • Students live in a communal group home alongside other new arrivals.
  • The welcome phase allows your child to consider the benefits of a new way of life.
  • This provides time for a complete mental, academic, and personal evaluation.
  • It is a time of mutual understanding. We learn about your child’s needs as he makes friends, attends school, and becomes comfortable with the structure of life at Boys Home.

The first experience of communal living in a rural setting can be challenging for some young men. However, most learn quickly how much more life and relationships have to offer.

Phase II: Independent Living

  • Following a successful evaluation phase, the child moves to family-style living in a cottage with other young men his own age.
  • They live under the direct care and nurture of trained house parents.
  • Independent living allows students to grow and become self-sufficient. During this time, they build they life skills they’ll need to be successful adults.
  • The time each child spends in Independent Living varies, depending on his age and his needs.

To support our residents through the growth process, daily activities are scheduled for each cottage. Together with their peers, they take part in the campus work program, chapel, sports, and other activities that provide opportunities to grow and interact.

Phase III: Experiential Living

  • Once students move through the independent living phase, experiential living is designed to build life skills and prepare them for the transition into adulthood in the outside world.
  • They have opportunities to take part in a wide range of campus and community activities, including recreation, sports, volunteering, leadership roles on campus, and church programs.
  • The Boys Home program helps them plan for life after Boys Home and build confidence in the skills they will need to succeed.

 

 

Education

All residents attend the Boys Home School on campus. The Boys Home School is a modern school with a specific focus on helping students catch up to their grade levels.

  • Facilities and technology on par with Virginia’s public schools
  • A committed, experienced teaching staff
  • A low teacher-to-student ratio (for example, average class size is 5 students)
  • Tutoring sessions available to all
  • A proven track record of accelerating learning and grade level
  • A case-management approach in which houseparents and teachers work together to ensure success

Boys Home is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Specialized Education Facilities (VAISEF) and is a candidate for the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS).

 

Center for Applied Trades

The Center for Applied Trades offers students the chance to gain real-world experience in a variety of disciplines.

  • Classes in carpentry, construction science and robotics
  • Opportunity for basic certifications through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
  • Experienced staff
  • Hands-on projects for active learners

 

Leadership and Life Skills

We believe tools for success go beyond the classroom. Boys Home provides structure, discipline, and opportunities for growth through:

  • Daily chores within the cottages
  • Student work program (AWARES) committed to the values of Attitude, Work ethic, Accountability, Respect, Education, and Safety
  • Opportunities to help on our Christmas Tree Farm
  • Financial literacy classes
  • Leadership opportunities on campus
  • Leadership and service opportunities through the Boys Home Key Club
  • Help exploring educational and career options after high school

Boys Home has developed a five-tier “citizenship” program for students to advance through based on overall behavior, attitude, leadership, and educational progress. In order to be promoted to a higher group and receive additional privileges, students must meet the requirements of positive attitude, good leadership skills, and educational improvement, and they must be recommended by a staff member.

 

Recreation

While we’re serious about making a difference, we know the importance of friendship, fun, and laughter. Located in the beautiful Alleghany Highlands, our 1200-acre campus is a great place to enjoy nature or participate in extracurricular activities. The Boys Home program offers:

  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Equine program
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Biking
  • Hunter safety
  • Field trips to local attractions and sporting events

 

HIPAA Statement

Boys Home complies with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations. Each guardian will receive documentation to review and sign at admission.

Civil Rights

In accordance with Federal civil rights law, Boys Home does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. It is the policy of Boys Home to provide equal opportunity employment to all employees and applicants for employment. Furthermore, no person shall be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or handicap.

Boys Home of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer.