Turning Winds

Established in 2002, Turning Winds Academic Institute is one of the world’s foremost private boarding schools for troubled teenagers. Spanning 150 acres south of Montana’s Purcell Mountains, Turning Winds combines outdoor activities in natural settings with academic and therapeutic support to help redirect adolescents at risk of jeopardizing their futures. An accredited institution, Turning Winds offers families much-needed aid and hope in putting their children back on track.

In dealing with troubled teenagers, Turning Winds Academic Institute endeavors to fulfill three specific missions: removing children from precarious situations, reinstating their self-confidence in themselves and their potential, and reuniting them with their families. With a staff of licensed educators and therapists, Turning Winds has developed an Integrated Therapeutic Curriculum model designed to address negative behaviors resulting from a range of issues, such as adoption, failing in school, substance abuse, hyperactivity, and more. Turning Winds’ staff, well equipped to address the needs of children, has 50-plus years of combined experience in dealing with troubled youth.

The typical program duration at the Turning Winds Academic Institute is 12 months, with a six-month minimum. Turning Winds only accepts 50 students at a time, ensuring each child receives the quality attention and assistance required to help them out. Fully accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, Turning Winds offers its students academic programs of all levels, including middle school, high school, college preparation, and college-level courses. Students at Turning Winds can earn high school diplomas, pursue a G.E.D., and complete college courses. Turning Winds offers college-level curriculum through Brigham Young University’s distance education program.

Turning Winds Academic Institute is dedicated to helping troubled youth find their way back to bright, promising futures. To date, Turning Winds has helped hundreds of teenagers restructure their lives and start down a path of success. By the end of their 12-month program, 98 percent of Turning Winds attendees are ready to go home and resume their lives with their families.