Academically Focused. Therapeutically Supportive.

While the typical Shortridge student is bright and college bound, many students struggle with social engagement and life satisfaction. All students benefit from our emphasis on the development of executive functioning and self-regulation skills. Our curriculum—both in and out of the classroom—is mindful of individual learning styles and challenges, and integrates strategies that maximize the learning process.

Shaped by the defining features of Authoritative Parenting and guided by the principles of Positive Youth Development, Shortridge fosters collaboration within boundaries and offers students “a seat at the table” on individual and community-wide topics. Student inclusion, in part, is what makes Shortridge so unique.

Authoritative Parenting, a strategy identified decades ago by Diane Baumrind, is consistently found to be more effective than authoritarian, indulgent, or permissive approaches to parenting. Authoritative parenting refers to parenting that is warm but firm. It relies on high, age-appropriate expectations as well as discipline techniques that focus primarily on discussion and explanation.

The goal of Positive Youth Development is to build the competence, confidence, character, caring, and connections that will support a young person’s transition into a healthy, happy, responsible, and productive adulthood. Once an adolescent has developed this critical foundation, he or she is able to cope with challenges and setbacks, and is more apt to contribute to his or her home and community.

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Positively Committed

We accomplish our school’s mission through continuous review and application of best educational practices while embracing the “Six C’s” of Positive Youth Development (Competence, Confidence, Connection, Character, Caring, and Contribution). This distinctive approach allows us to deeply engage our students and build on their individual strengths.

Shortridge Academy uses evidence-based practices, a well-trained and supervised staff, and positive peer influence to promote emotional healing, fulfillment of academic potential, character building, improved family relations, and the development of interpersonal and decision-making skills. Individualized Positive Development Plans developed by therapists, with insight from parents, referring professionals, teachers, and residential staff, build on the strengths of each student and guide the use of programmatic, academic, and therapeutic strategies and activities from an authoritative perspective.

Shortridge’s residential environment is a nurturing, intentional community where staff provide positive role modeling and the appropriate balance of scaffolding and independence that allows students to practice and hone skills necessary to succeed in traditional academic environments.

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“We knew we had found the right fit.”

“We were initially attracted to Shortridge Academy among the schools we considered for the academic depth and inspired teaching that would challenge and engage our daughter, as she had always been a strong student. When we visited, we found that the students we met were kind and down to earth, with a clear sense of pride in who they were. We could easily see our daughter connecting with them, and we knew we had found the right fit.” Read more…

“My family and I have never been closer.”

“Shortridge has been my home for the past 16 months and I actually can say I had a lot of fun here. I have made some of the best friends I have ever had. I am looking forward to seeing everyone here again in the future. My family and I have never been closer, and we have all come a very long way since starting this journey. Well, there’s only a few things I have to say about my time here. Dang, it went fast. It really does.” Read more…