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Whetstone Boys Ranch Boarding School

Whetstone Boys Ranch is a therapeutic Christian boys boarding school that serves struggling boys and their families. Here boys live, learn, work and grow as they experience essential individual, group and family therapy, excellent academics, exciting outdoor adventures, and useful hands-on tasks. We believe in sharpening young men to become true servant-leaders in their families and communities.

Since 2011, Whetstone Boys Ranch boarding school’s purpose centers on the reconciliation of boys (ages 12-16) and their families through our boys boarding school. We treat struggles such as anger, depression, low self-esteem and trauma with a loving, systems-based approach while helping each boy academically. And this comprehensive method of treatment and restoration sets us apart.

Boys Boarding School with Low Boy to Staff Ratio

Whetstone’s greatest strength is its extremely low 3:1 boy-to-staff ratio. Because relationship-building is so fundamental to the therapeutic environment, this is something we feel very strongly about. While Missouri’s licensing limit is 8:1, we believe such a standard dramatically hinders the quality of care. In contrast, Whetstone has a seven year track record of maintaining a 3:1 ratio…or lower.

From the time he wakes up at 7:00 a.m. until he turns off his light at 9:30 p.m., each boy is given direct care and supervision. As he advances through our program and demonstrates greater responsibility, he is given greater freedom, though his time is carefully managed in order to provide meaningful and therapeutic activity. Whetstone is a non-restraint facility but if a boy chooses
to leave, we will work with the proper authorities to provide for his safe return.

Academics

Whetstone Boys Ranch exists to provide a liberal arts-based education in a uniquely integrated setting designed to strengthen the mind, open the heart and equip both the body and spirit. We do so by empowering our students with skills to be life-long learners who recognize the benefits of intellectual curiosity and academic rigor. It is our goal that they, along with their families, can find success where there was failure, hope where there was fear, and life where there was loss.

The Whetstone boys boarding school curriculum diagnoses gaps in student learning before moving to material that the student may not be ready to tackle. These gaps in learning are often the cause of student failure and eventual misbehavior in the classroom and at home. When students don’t understand, they tend to act out instead of admitting they need help. We have found that once a student experiences real success that is based upon their own efforts, they begin to see the connection between behaviors and grades. Every boy who has spent any time with Whetstone has been able to find a suitable academic placement with little to no loss of earned academic credits. This includes boys who return to public schools, private schools, home schools, and those headed to college shortly after graduation.

Moreover, boys able to reach graduation have in every case demonstrated tremendous intellectual growth and discipline. Our therapeutic boarding school has a very strong track record of success with a wide variety of students. Graduates leave Whetstone boys boarding school with the skills they need to be successful in secondary education and beyond. When the situation demands, and when a boy is willing, we are able to provide one-on-one tutoring for a limited time.

Call us today to enroll your son in our boys boarding school.

I would HIGHLY recommend Whetstone to anyone who has a son who’s struggling. We sent a 15-year-old boy to the ranch and he came back a confident young man! The staff is wonderful – so full of grace & love for these boys. It was worth every penny we spent and I am so thankful for them!!

Michelle

I’ll keep this short and sweet. My son went to Whetstone because he was out of control at home. Details aren’t necessary, but suffice it is to say the home life situation was untenable. Through the love, patience, and wisdom of the Whetstone staff, my son was basically transformed over nine months. All the exact factors that drove that change can’t be reduced to a formula, but his time there being surrounded by godly men had an absolutely profound impact on him. I cannot endorse this program more highly.

Michael

A great and life-changing experience. I miss the place.

Former Resident

I highly recommend Whetstone Boys Ranch. The staff is individuals of high character, very loving and very good at what they do. The ranch provided a positive and supportive environment for my son to heal and grow.

Ken

Overall we had a positive experience. There were many difficult days but in the end, it was what our family and son needed – a break, an opportunity to change a negative pattern. Our son is thriving now and I’m not sure we would be where we are without Whetstone’s help. I can see how it might not be the right setting for everyone but it was for us. Our son was known, held accountable, challenged, and rewarded.

Carrie

Whetstone was definitely the right place at the right time for our son. It may not be right for everyone but it was the perfect fit for our family. It wasn’t easy but Whetstone made a huge positive difference in our son’s personal growth. The men and women who work at Whetstone are amazing individuals who guide the boys to the very best of their ability.

Dale

As the mother of a young man who graduated the program (and returned two years later as an intern), I cannot sing the praises of Whetstone enough. Thank you for transforming lives and infusing hope.

Elise

I am so proud of these young men who have dedicated their lives to helping boys become men. God bless you Axle and Jeremy as you serve Him.

Carol

Whetstone Boys Ranch offers an exceptional, caring, and expertly executed program to help young men who struggle with ADHD, family, or other issues. The staff members and counselors are absolutely top-notch and put the needs of each resident first as if they were their own children. They are all in and do everything they can to help each boy and their parents. Their program is the real deal. You will not find another boarding school with a finer team or program.

Roger
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