Parent Questions:
Why girls only?
Research has demonstrated that girls perform better, are more prepared for adult success, and develop both increased self esteem and a more definitive sense of self when educated in a single sex environment. Girls at New Leaf Academy reap the benefits of all girls schools because the program is fluent in the way girls listen, learn, and absorb, and we use this fluency to help ensure our girls leave the program confident, capable and ready for the challenges that await them.
Why a residential middle school?
The middle school years are a difficult time for many pre-adolescent children. This is especially true for young girls. Family and sibling relationships, peer influence and pressure, hormonal and physical development, media image and expectation and academic demands create a strong scenario for anger, frustration and doubt. For girls who face the additional obstacles of social-emotional immaturity, instability and challenges in the academic setting; structure and environment are critical to their growth and development. New Leaf Academy provides young girls with the support, direction, and environment they need to achieve social and academic success. Our programs are among the best all girl boarding schools and are places for troubled teenage girls to get the help they need.
How long is the New Leaf Academy (NLA) program?
Our program averages 20-24 months. Progress through the program is based on each student's individual performance and merit through a series of three developmental stages called "StarSteps." Each level parallels characteristics of the respective stages of child and adolescent development, and generally takes six to eight months to complete.
How safe is your program?
At New Leaf Academy of NC, we understand that safety is of primary importance to the parents and guardians of our students. To help ensure that our girls remain safe and secure, New Leaf maintains a 24-hour awake staff, and conducts background checks and drug screens on all employees. Additionally, our facility is well maintained, meets all safety codes, building requirements, and is located within minutes of local emergency facilities and hospitals.
How often do parents visit?
Parent visits are scheduled approximately every eight weeks. Annually, two of the scheduled visits encompass a two-day parent seminar which includes presentations and discussions with the New Leaf Academy counseling, academic and administrative staff.
When will my daughter (granddaughter, niece, etc.) come home for a visit?
Students begin their home visit sequence one year after enrollment. Home visits coincide with our academic break weeks which occur approximately every six weeks.
How old are the students at New Leaf Academy?
At the time of enrollment each student is between the ages of 10 and 14. The current average age at New Leaf Academy, North Carolina campus is 13 years old.
What if my daughter needs to see an orthodontist (dentist, pediatrician, dermatologist, etc.)?
From time to time our students are in need of services that are outside the scope of our direct program. We have established relationships with many fine professionals in the Hendersonville area and are happy to arrange appointments for our students.
How often will I speak with my daughter while she is at New Leaf Academy?
Every student has a scheduled weekly phone conversation with her parents. In addition, the students have time each day to write letters to family members and friends.
How will she live?
Each child lives in a bedroom with connecting bath that she shares with three to five other girls. Students are responsible for keeping their surroundings and personal belongings neat and orderly, and for maintaining the cleanliness of their bathroom. Rooms are assigned a "room head", a responsible student who acts as a mentor for her bunkmates, as well as a houseparent. (Stuffed animals and dolls are encouraged, but not required.)
How will she interact with her school community?
The school community ensures openness, acceptance and personal privacy. This is accomplished through the following: Morning and evening focus meetings; Groups 2 - 3 times per week to process emotions and frustrations; StarStep Counselors responsible for providing individual planning guidance and individual discussion time for forming healthy adult relationships; Projects and structure promoting peer collaboration and support; Celebration of personal achievements and milestones including birthdays, holidays, seminar completion, academic achievement, learning phase completion, graduation, and alumnae success; Quiet time for self-reflection, writing, and introspection.
What kind of clinical support will my daughter receive?
New Leaf Academy of NC employs a Doctorate level psychologist for clinical supervision of program staff and faculty. The counseling staff, which includes house parents and StarStep counselors, provides oversight to development and implementation of Individualized Learning Plans and serve as liaisons between the families and the school.
How are the academics?
Our mission at New Leaf Academy is to return girls to more traditional schools. As such, our academic program is comprehensive, challenging, and grade-appropriate.
How much is the tuition? What does it cover?
Tuition is $5,850.00 per month and includes daily boarding and educational expenses, field trips, activities, sports, transportation, and laundry service.
Is there an enrollment fee?
Yes, a one time $2,500 enrollment fee, a $750 uniform fee, and and the Alumnae Services fee which is equal to one month’s tuition.
(Tuition rates and fees subject to change anytime without notice)
Student Questions:
What does being a New Leaf student mean to me? What should I expect?
Enrollment at New Leaf Academy means a whole new world of fun, friends while learning to accept and like yourself for who you are. New Leaf Academy is a boarding school which means you will be living on campus, sharing a room with other girls, and working with counselors and teachers to help you with school work, as well as on social and emotional issues. You will attend classes, participate in indoor and outdoor recreational activities, and become a valuable member of our school community. While it might not always be simple, it will always be supportive and affirming of your unique gifts and talents.
Will I be able to see and/or talk with my family?
As a student, you will make weekly phone calls home to speak with family members. You will also send and receive mail and email messages. Your family is your biggest support and we do not want to isolate you from them. They need you and you need them. Your parents will be able to visit you on campus approximately every seven to eight weeks.
Will I be able to see my friends, or talk to them?
That depends. You will need to discuss this with your parents and counselors.
Will I make new friends?
Yes! Yes! Yes! You will have lots of opportunities to interact with other students on many different levels. This will result in many friendships based on honesty, respect and shared enthusiasm for personal growth.
What is school like?
New Leaf Academy is designed specifically for girls. Your days will be highly structured. Weekdays will include academics, art and physical education classes, individual and group counseling sessions, and evening study time or activities. On weekends, you can expect to do lots of cultural and outdoor activities in our surrounding area, as well as participate in sports, do community service projects and have some personal quiet time. You will be an important part of this school, and we encourage you to make suggestions and recommendations about what you think would be a good thing for you and your schoolmates to participate in.
Why am I going to New Leaf Academy? How will this help me?
You will be attending New Leaf Academy because your family loves you and wants you to appreciate and love yourself as well. Most of the girls at New Leaf Academy are struggling, just like you, with issues relating to friends, family, and school. Much of this has to do with self-esteem (or the lack of it.) At New Leaf Academy, we will work to help you improve your self esteem by providing lots of opportunities for learning, growth, success, and failure too. You will leave our program feeling better about yourself, and your ability to work through your problems. You are very special. We want you to know and embrace that.
