Teen Challenge Kansas City Girls Academy

Kansas City Girls Academy is a Christian boarding school on the Missouri side of the state border for girls ages 12-17 with behavioral concerns, including substance use, suicidal ideation, self-harm, poor school performance, and promiscuity. The program typically lasts 15 months, but can be extended when necessary, and costs $9,450 at the time of admission. Cost includes tuition, housing, meals, activities, toiletries, and uniform. Parents can ask about scholarship availability and eligibility prior to admission.

Spiritual Mentorship

Spiritual mentorship includes group sessions 5 days per week, quiet individual reflection daily, church each Sunday, and discipleship that happens organically during the week. Students deepen relationships during meals, which they eat with staff home style. Recreation and sports are key to the program, both on campus and competing against other schools in volleyball. Boise Girls Academy is equipped with a gym, pickleball court, and basketball court. Girls additionally participate in swimming, disk golf, hiking, and aerobics. Girls participate in chores and receive instruction on how to complete them. Life skills training also includes caring for farm animals, including chickens, goats, a bunny, and a turkey, and helping staff prepare meals. Students additionally participate in service both on and off campus, including beautifying the campus and serving with local community organizations.

Parental Involvement and Personalized Staff

Kansas City Girls Academy offers parents weekends once every other month from Friday evening to Saturday evening, beginning after the student has been enrolled for 4 months. Each student has a staff member assigned to them, leading weekly group counseling sessions with other girls and regular individual counseling sessions. This staff member also serves as the point of contact for parents, helping them monitor their student’s progress. Kansas City Girls Academy offers a 3-5 month aftercare plan supporting students and family after completion of the program.