For Boys Ages 12–17
Do things feel off at home lately?
Maybe conversations don’t go anywhere. Maybe small things turn into big reactions. Maybe your son seems different. You don’t need to have a perfect way to explain it. You just know something isn’t right.
And you’re not alone.
- 60+ Years of Experience
- Fully Accredited
- 1,000+ Lives Changed
One of the hardest decisions we ever made as a family was sending our son Connor to Bonifay Teen Challenge after he struggled with learning differences and was asked to leave school, but through the structure, guidance, and support he received there at such a critical age, his life was truly turned around.
From the moment we arrived at Gateway Academy, we knew it was where Trent needed to be, and through the structure, support, and Christ-centered guidance he received there, God transformed his heart, replacing anger and bitterness with faith, respect, and a renewed sense of purpose.
With full confidence, we can say God used Gateway’s accountability, compassion, discipline, and love to restore our son’s life. His darkness and addiction have been replaced with faith, purpose, and a renewed love for his family. Today, he has hope and direction for his future, and we are deeply grateful.
We made the difficult decision to send both of our boys to TC. Although a hard decision, it was the best decision. This is a fantastic program for young men that teaches discipline, self-control, and having a true relationship with Jesus.
We are forever thankful that God led us to this program, and for the powerful transformation that He did in our son during his time at Pine Mountain. We are excited for all that God has in store for Julian’s future!
Through the structure, accountability, mentorship, and Christ-centered guidance at HBA, we have seen our son Anthony begin to rediscover purpose, resilience, and belief in himself. They did not just change his behavior - they helped restore hope for his future and for our family.
I wholeheartedly endorse Heartland Boys Academy. Their structure, support, and focus on life skills transformed my son’s life—giving him confidence, resilience, and a foundation for success. The staff and environment made an incredible difference, and I’m deeply grateful.
Our son attended Heartland Boys Academy for a year, and we saw real growth in his emotional and social maturity. He was safe and well cared for academically, emotionally, and spiritually by Mr. Walker and his staff. For families needing a supportive environment, HBA is a great place to turn.
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Common Questions
Honest Answers to Hard Questions
Is 12 -15 months really necessary?
Our experience has shown a strong connection between the length of a program and the lasting impact it can have in a young person’s life. While many people can change their behavior for a short period of time, our goal is not simply temporary behavior modification. Real and lasting change takes time.
Many of the struggles students face have developed over years and cannot be resolved in just a few months. The first phase of the program focuses on identifying and addressing the root issues behind destructive behaviors. From there, students begin the deeper work of personal growth, restoration, and healthy reintegration into family and community life. For this reason, our program is a minimum of 12 months, with some students benefiting from up to 15 months of continued support.
What if my teen doesn’t want to go?
It is very common for teens to resist the idea of leaving their normal environment, even when their current choices are creating serious problems. We encourage parents to have an honest conversation with their child about the possibility of placement before enrollment. Our admissions coordinators are available to help guide families through these conversations and share practical advice from their experience working with many families in similar situations.
In some cases, families choose to use a professional youth transport service to assist with admission. Teen Challenge does not provide transportation, but we recommend using agencies that are properly trained, certified, and committed to treating young people in a safe and respectful manner.
How much does the program cost?
Teen Challenge Behavioral Health homes operate as private residential programs and do not bill insurance. Because we are a faith-based program, families invest directly in the cost of care and services provided.
Our monthly tuition is significantly lower than many residential programs of this type, which often exceed $10,000 per month before insurance. For current tuition rates and payment details, we encourage families to contact our admissions team. We are happy to walk you through the costs and answer any questions.
Our monthly tuition is significantly lower than many residential programs of this type, which often exceed $10,000 per month before insurance. For current tuition rates and payment details, we encourage families to contact our admissions team. We are happy to walk you through the costs and answer any questions.
Will my teen fall behind in school?
No. Students attend our fully licensed academy while enrolled in the program. Coursework is individualized and paced according to each student’s academic level so they can make steady progress.
Many students find that the structured environment helps them refocus and succeed academically. For students who are performing at a high academic level, dual enrollment opportunities may also be available.
Any Guarantees?
No program can guarantee specific outcomes. Real and lasting change depends largely on a student’s willingness to engage in the process.
Our team works closely with students and families to create a plan that encourages growth, accountability, and healthy decision-making. While we are committed to providing guidance, structure, and support, meaningful change ultimately requires effort and participation from both the student and the family.
What’s your success rate?
“Success” can mean different things to different families. For some, it means restored relationships. For others, it means improved behavior, emotional stability, or renewed direction in life. Because each student arrives with unique challenges and goals, outcomes can vary.
We have observed that approximately 75% of students who complete the full 12–15 month program do not return to the same behaviors that originally led to placement. Our goal is to work closely with each family to establish meaningful goals and help students develop the character, habits, and support systems needed for lasting change. While it can be difficult to address years of struggle in a single year, we regularly see significant growth, and many families experience restored relationships as a result of the process.
Can we visit the campus?
Yes. We welcome families who are considering enrollment to schedule a tour of our campus. Visiting in person is a great way to see the environment, meet some of our staff, and learn more about the program.
While most students do not attend the initial tour with their parents, they are welcome to visit if it is appropriate for the family. Campus tours must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance, and visiting guardians will be asked to provide a valid photo ID upon arrival.
While most students do not attend the initial tour with their parents, they are welcome to visit if it is appropriate for the family. Campus tours must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance, and visiting guardians will be asked to provide a valid photo ID upon arrival.
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