The wilderness experience serves the purpose of acting as a major catalyst in initiating the therapy process. Education provides direction for the wilderness experience and is designed to give structured support to therapy. These components are integrated so that they compliment one another in a strong, cohesive manner. As the program now exists, education objectives compliment the therapy program and are strictly bonded to the experiential education philosophy. The curriculum is comprehensive and intense. Academic subject areas were chosen to facilitate therapeutic objectives. Therefore, subject areas and objectives are basically set. What this means is that "extra" or other academic requirements cannot be accommodated without compromising program focus.

We are recognized by the Utah State Board of Education to operate as a special alternative school designed to effectively reach students at risk. Our efforts are directed primarily to helping students develop positive attitudes toward learning and helping them choose goals which have meaning and relevance to them personally. Curricular objectives in the areas of English, Social Studies, Science, and Physical Education, which utilize the physical setting which the wilderness provides, focus on therapeutic applications. We are authorized to issue one unit of elective Utah credit which is equal to 180 hours of school work.
The Academy's curriculum, with its experiential approach, teaches students personal responsibility for their learning process and provides students with the opportunity for a successful educational experience. Students graduate from Aspen with a renewed sense of hope and enthusiasm for the learning process, enabling them to go on to other learning environments with the groundwork laid for continued academic growth and success.

 





Call (866) 561-7326