“This place is like a seedbed—it has all the nutrients you need to grow.”

At Shepherd’s Hill Academy, we believe in nurturing the whole person. For Jack, that meant addressing his deepest struggles while also learning new skills that would carry him forward in life. Jack’s story is proof that with the right support, love, and hands-on guidance, incredible transformation is possible.

Shepherd’s Hill Academy is thrilled to introduce the newest member of the therapy animal team: Teddy the Therapy Bunny! Our Ag class took on an amazing project: they designed and built a spectacular rabbit hutch for Teddy. One of the talented students designed the blueprints and the entire class learned invaluable skills like welding, woodworking, and bringing a blueprint to life.

Research has shown that therapeutic animals, like Teddy, can have a profound impact on adolescents’ well-being. Interacting with animals has been linked to reduced stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. The presence of animals can also promote empathy, improve mood, and enhance social skills.

We couldn’t be more grateful for the positive imact Teddy has already made at SHA.

We are honored to share the inspiring story of the Otten Family, whose experience with Shepherd’s Hill Academy had a life-changing impact on their son’s future.

Their testimonial is a testament to the life-changing impact of SHA and the profound impact of our comprehensive approach to teen recovery and family healing.

We are pleased to announce that CARF International has issued a 3-Year Accreditation to Shepherd’s Hill Academy for its Residential Treatment (Children and Adolescents) Program.

This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and demonstrates SHA’s high standards of quality and commitment to pursuing excellence. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit that its programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable, and accountable. We take great pride in sharing this significant achievement with you today!

A nature-based therapy program offers struggling teens a unique opportunity to grow, heal, and develop essential life skills. At Shepherd’s Hill Academy (SHA), our nature-based component is part of a holistic approach that combines outdoor living with academics, counseling, and faith-based mentorship. Teens benefit from increased independence, confidence, and resilience while learning valuable life skills in a structured, supportive environment. Many students experience profound personal and spiritual growth, as shared by one of our alumni. If your teen is facing challenges, a nature-based program could be the key to lasting transformation. Contact SHA today to learn more!

"Children may have full plates, but their hearts remain empty. In a world of excess, what they hunger for most is time, love, and purpose."

America’s culture has produced a strange dichotomy.

That is; affluent kids appear starved, though not in the way you may think. We’re not talking about food or water. We’re talking about a completely different form of starvation.

Around the world, kids are starving to death from poverty, while many American kids are choking to death from affluence and everything that comes with it.