Shelterwood Academy is a Christ-centered therapeutic boarding school located on 220 wooded acres in Independence, Missouri.
For 40 years, we have brought hope and restoration to families by helping teens overcome depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, addictions, and other behavioral and mental health conditions.
We are committed to bringing heart change and behavior change for your teen. .
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Grades: 8-12
- Enrollment: 32 students
- Average class size: 6 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 8-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Summer School Offered
Yes
Student Body
Total Students
32 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
6%
State avg.: 21%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
6 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
School Notes
Shelterwood is a Christ-centered therapeutic boarding school
located on 220 wooded acres in Independence, Missouri. For 40
years, we have brought hope and restoration to families by helping
teens overcome depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders,
addictions, and other behavioral and mental health conditions. We
are committed to bringing heart change and behavior change for your
teen.
Surrounded by more than 80 Christian professionals and staff, we help your teen uncover their unique purpose and plan for the future. Including:
Surrounded by more than 80 Christian professionals and staff, we help your teen uncover their unique purpose and plan for the future. Including:
- Licensed therapists and certified addiction counselors. Shelterwood national recognition includes being awarded The Joint Commission`s Gold Seal of Approval for Behavioral Health Care Accreditation and designated as a NATSAP Gold Seal Recipient for Evidence-based outcomes.
- Licensed teachers at our Cognia accredited High School on campus, ready to help your teen succeed academically through individualized coursework.
- Christian mentors to help foster healthy relationships through around-the-clock care.
- The nation`s only residential facility offering the leading-edge Brain Balance program, a personalized and integrative approach to strengthen the brain and its connections through sensory engagement, physical development, academics, and nutrition.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for Shelterwood?
The application deadline for Shelterwood is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 11/2/2020
I was at Shelterwood when they were in Westminster CO. I was dropped off by my mom while in High school without any knowledge. I am 31 years old now and will never forget the people I met and the family love I felt from staff and friends i made back then. I'm thankful for the experience. Even though i was 15 back then and very angry. I will never forget the experience.
5 5/17/2016
Shelterwood greatly impacted my life! I came to Shelterwood because of a suicide attempt, a pill addiction, and self-harm. Right before being admitted, I had been in and out of the psych hospital a few times and was a complete mess. Being at Shelterwood definitely is not easy but it challenged me in many different areas. It was all about taking risks, stepping out of my comfort zone, and being put in awkward and vulnerable situations. I couldn't tell you the number of times I tried to fire my counselor, but in reality, that's just a sign she was doing her job really damn well. I finally graduated and moved on with life. Although there has still been struggle, Shelterwood gave me the tools I needed to learn to reach out to others, to not be afraid to ask for help, to cope in more positive ways than what I was doing pre Shelterwood, and so much more. I will never forget my time at Shelterwood. It gave me many memories I''ll cherish forever. Shelterwood saved my life.
5 10/27/2012
We tried everything before we came to Shelterwood. Parenting books, youth group, counseling, homeschooling: they helped, but none of them solved the problems. Shelterwood was different. Being immersed in the environment there finally got his attention. I only wish we had discovered Shelterwood sooner
5 10/6/2012
Shelterwood, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for our family. You are a place of healing, of hope, of new beginnings.
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