Frequently Asked Questions
Top FAQs
Get to know Shepherd’s Hill Academy through our FAQs. We offer answers to the most asked questions about our boarding school, insurance, cost, contact, and location. We know that a prepared and knowledgeable parent can help their teen achieve success.
We offer this FAQ page as a resource, if you have any other questions, please contact our team at (706) 779-5766 and we will be happy to answer them for you.
What type of behavioral issues does Shepherd’s Hill Academy address?
In general, we serve troubled teens struggling with:
- Digital, Internet, Video Game, Cell Phone Addictions
- ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder)
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
- RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder)
- DTD (Developmental Trauma Disorder)
- PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Self Harm and Cutting
- Depression and Anxiety
- Aspergers
- Anger, Rebellion, and Running Away
- Narcissism and Entitlement issues
- Loss of Educational Status or Motivation (school expulsion or dropping grades)
- Bipolar and Borderline Personality Disorders
- Adoption Issues
- Other behavioral, conduct, and emotional disorders that are causing problems for the teen’s future.
How does Shepherd’s Hill Academy succeed in changing the lives of troubled teens?
The unique therapeutic structure of Shepherd’s Hill Academy consistently provides a safe, loving environment for change and healing. The Shepherd’s Hill Academy Team provides 24/7 care while maintaining a 5 to 1 student-to-staff ratio. Each team member models the love of Christ, provides adequate teachable moments in life’s lessons, implements accountability measures to enhance character development, and ensures your child succeeds in meeting his or her therapeutic goals. Shepherd’s Hill Academy accomplishes this through ongoing individual and group counseling, as well as it’s many Therapeutic Programs.
Who will care for my child at Shepherd’s Hill Academy?
Shepherd’s Hill Academy is comprised of a passionate and highly qualified Administrative Team, a certified Therapeutic Team, a dedicated Boys and Girls Residential Team, and a first-class Education Team. When necessary, Shepherd’s Hill Academy works with outside professionals such as doctors, physical therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, tutors, and lay members to help meet your teen’s individual needs.
How do I stay in touch with my child while he or she is at Shepherd’s Hill Academy?
Upon enrollment, we provide a schedule with specific dates and times which gives you opportunities to communicate with your child. This includes emails and letters, telephone calls, video conferences, and personal visitations. In addition, you may visit or call our Administrative Team during our office hours to discuss any questions regarding your child.
Is Shepherd’s Hill Academy State licensed, and does it accept Health Insurance?
Yes, Shepherd’s Hill Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is licensed by the State of Georgia through the Department of Human Services (DHS) and accredited through the Georgia Association of Christian Schools. Academics are accredited through the State of Georgia and the Georgia Accrediting Commission. Therapeutic portions of our program may be covered by your health insurance. Please ask our Admissions Team to learn more.
Can my child receive a scholarship to attend Shepherd’s Hill Academy?
Scholarships are sometimes available via the Shepherd’s Hill Academy scholarship fund. Friends and relatives can also donate to the Shepherd’s Hill Academy scholarship fund, which offers tax benefits to the donor/donors. For more information, visit our Financial Options Page.
How does Shepherd’s Hill Academy provide a safe environment for my child?
Shepherd’s Hill Academy provides 24/7 direct supervision with a 5 to 1 student-to-staff ratio. Shall a crisis arise, Shepherd’s Hill Academy has an on-campus Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) that ensures the well-being of each student. The CIT members receive proper emergency training and conduct monthly safety drills with our students. The Residential Team is also thoroughly trained and certified in Crisis Intervention, Behavior Management, First Aid and life-saving techniques, CPR, and Red Cross Lifeguard water safety. Shepherd’s Hill Academy has a campus nurse for non-emergency medical needs, and we are 911 accessible. Shepherd’s Hill Academy is a licensed Outdoor Child Care Program through the Georgia Department of Human Services and complies with all its rules and regulations.
Will my child receive a quality education at Shepherd’s Hill Academy?
Shepherd’s Hill Academy offers a private academy that is fully accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission and meets the course requirements for the Georgia Department of Education Curriculum. Our Principal and Education Team give our students individualized attention and work with them to create a class schedule customized to meet their specific academic needs. All of our teachers are state certified and board approved. We also offer SAT and ACT preparation and testing, advanced placement and college preparation courses, and unique extra-curricular activities.
Where is Shepherd’s Hill Academy located?
Shepherd’s Hill Academy is in Martin, Georgia, located in the low foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of northeast Georgia. Martin is approximately 85 miles northeast of Atlanta, Georgia.
How much does Shepherd’s Hill Academy cost?
At Shepherd’s Hill Academy, the private pay all-inclusive tuition of our program is $8,000 per month. Program tuition can often be offset by insurance, discounts or scholarships.
Shepherd’s Hill Academy works very closely with families on the tuition costs for our program. Please call and speak directly to a member of our admissions team to receive our discount policy, verification of insurance benefits and your tuition rate.
What religion/denomination does Shepherd’s Hill Academy adhere to, and can my child attend Shepherd’s Hill Academy if he/she is not a Christian?
Shepherd’s Hill Academy is an evangelical, non-denominational, Bible-believing, and Christ-honoring ministry. It is not directly affiliated with any one evangelical church or denomination, nor does it receive support from any one denomination. We do not discriminate against the religious preference or race of any student we enroll.
Shepherd’s Hill Academy does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin (ancestry), or disability in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. Shepherd’s Hill Academy admits students of any religion, race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
Does Shepherd’s Hill Academy Utilize Social Media?
Shepherd’s Hill Academy is on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube & Vimeo. Please review our Social Media Communication and Comment Policy. This policy also pertains to our Shepherd’s Hill Academy Blog and the License to Parent with Trace Embry radio program website and its Social Media sites.
