Students attending Moonridge Academy are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma or other clinical issues. Because of this students at Moonridge Academy receive clinical services including individual, family and group therapy.
Individual therapy modalities include equine therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Brainspotting, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), adventure therapy, and play therapy.
Moonridge Academy believes that a challenging, stimulating educational program is an important key to restoring balance and health to our students.
As a result, we provide high quality, fully accredited educational programs, including traditional academic studies, including experiential activities, and extracuricular activities.
Special attention is paid to meeting the needs of each individual student.
Our goal is to develop positive self-esteem in a climate that stimulates creativity and individuality.
Our philosophy is based on the belief that each child has unique capabilities and talents and that a wide variety of experiences are needed to help children discover and enhance their talents.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Grades: 6-10
- Enrollment: 16 students
- Yearly Tuition: $135,000
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-10
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
2003
Summer School Offered
Yes
Student Body
Total Students
16 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
12%
State avg.: 25%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
5 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
3:1
National avg.: 13:1
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Packing list provided
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$135,000
Tuition Notes
$11,300 monthly tuition. There is also an admission fee and a quarterly activity fee charged.
Admissions Director
Wendy Penrod
Admissions Associate
Anamarie Rodabough
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
2 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Adventure Therapy, Equine Program
Adventure Therapy, Equine Program
School Notes
- Moonridge Academy is primarily a school that serves younger teenage girls in middle school. Most students have clinical issues including, but not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, emotional dysregulation, attachment/adoption, school refusal and social withdrawal. Many of our students have also struggled with poor peer relationships. Due to this all students accepted at Moonridge Academy will need to be clinically and academically approved.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Moonridge Academy cost?
Moonridge Academy's tuition is approximately $135,000 for private students.
When is the application deadline for Moonridge Academy?
The application deadline for Moonridge Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 8/23/2022
Our daughter attended Moonridge Academy and graduated in 2022. Our therapist and the Moonridge staff were committed to understanding her and working with her on her terms. They also involved our family in the process through weekly therapy sessions and family seminar weekends. This was a difficult chapter in our family history - but looking back, we are now grateful that we "bit the bullet" and committed to this work instead of hoping things would get better on their own. Moonridge helped our daughter, and our family, get on a path toward healing and growth. We are a family again, and we are grateful.
5 8/11/2022
Our teenager was struggling with numerous challenges when we started looking for a residential treatment center for them. We are so lucky that Moonridge was our first visit and we knew it was the right place for our child. The therapists were top-notch and very quickly were able to deal with issues that our child`s years-long therapist had not been able to identify. The educational program was ideal for us as well because it allowed our children to make up extra credits they were missing. Moonridge does a quarterly parent seminar where we spent multiple days with our child, much of it at the school location, so we were able to meet and get to know the staff members very well. We stayed in touch with our child with weekly phone calls and online therapy appointments and visits. Calls and visits increased as our child progressed through their program. We were given an outline of the program when we started and it was very organized and clear. Multiple home visits were required before their graduation so we were able to implement all the things we had learned along with our children. There were excellent training seminars and opportunities for us as parents. 2 years after our child's graduated from Moonridge, they are doing well at home and we are so glad we found Moonridge for our family. As a parent of a student who successfully graduated from their program, I would highly recommend Moonridge Academy.
5 4/6/2019
Moonridge academy was far by the worst program I have been to. The staff and therapists have their favorites. Some of the things done to me were traumatizing. I was mistreated, never felt welcome or at home. The escorts and restraints done by the workers were many times out of anger. I was retrained on accident, they believed I was faking my illness while I needed medical care immediately. I had to beg and plead until I finally got the help I needed. I became a very mean person. I did very well for the first 3 or so months until I couldn't handle how I was treated any longer. My therapist there told my information to other students. The program overall could have been great if I was treated like a normal human being rather than someone who needed to be punished for their mistakes in the wrong way. Parents come to tour and the kids are told what to say and what not to say. Although, the teachers and equine program was very good, there are many other options for getting that. I could not say this enough, do not send your kid here, my experience was horrible, moonridge academy is a disgusting place.
5 8/12/2018
Our daughter was at Moonridge for 10 months. We were lucky enough to find this school through our advocate who referred to it as an A+ program. He was 100% right. They provided her with strategies and coping skills to help her face challenges in the "real world". The school offers, unconditional love and support through intensive therapy, amazing adventures, rigorous but creative academic program, equine therapy and lasting friendships. Not to mention the once in a lifetime experiences that will have a lasting positive impact. The staff is a culmination of the most uniquely dedicated people we have ever encountered. It`s a staff that makes you feel like you are part of a wonderful family from the minute you drop off your child. I would highly recommend this therapeutic boarding school.
5 8/12/2018
Moonridge Academy is a magical place. Our daughter and family`s experience was life-changing. They educated, therapeutically-treated and cared for our daughter beyond our expectations. From educators to therapists to front-line staff, they created a safe/homelike environment for the students. Small and specialized, it`s the perfect fit for struggling girls and their families. They helped us find new ways to support our daughter. Our daughter went from a failing, frustrated student to one with straight As and new skills to navigate the hardships of life. I give Moonridge Academy an A+.
Endorse Moonridge Academy. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Expelled for Smoking Pot: What Parents Need to Know
We explore the consequences of marijuana use in private schools, discussing expulsion policies, legal implications, and impacts on college admissions. This Q&A format article provides insights for parents navigating disciplinary actions and offers advice on prevention and support for students.
U.S. Private Schools: A Guide for International Students
Dive into the nitty-gritty of attending U.S. private schools as an international student. From tackling the admissions maze to conquering the TOEFL, this guide's got you covered. We'll walk you through visa hurdles, financial realities, and even virtual campus tours. Buckle up for an insider's look at making your American education dreams a reality!
Early Childhood Education: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.