The Academy at Trails Carolina

The Academy at Trails Carolina a unique, wilderness-based therapeutic boarding school located on the edge of DuPont State Forest in Western North Carolina. The Academy works with boys grades 9-12, most of which are graduates of wilderness therapy programs across the country.  There are opportunities for semi-independent living within the program for students who desire an alternative to the standard education model. The Academy strives to provide our students with individualized, in-depth academic instruction alongside intense therapeutic work in a beautiful, yet removed, natural setting. Come be a part of The Academy Mentor team, making a difference in the lives of young men while learning and using valuable therapeutic, relational, and outdoor leadership skills.   Any interested applicants must be at least 21 years old,  have certifications in CPR and Basic First Aid/WFR and be able to pass a background check, physical and drug screen.  Compensation is commensurate with experience.

The Academy provides for Mentors: :

• Opportunities to learn and implement therapeutic models in conjunction with building and maintaining relationship/rapport-based relationships.

• Work alongside our qualified and experienced clinical team.

• Offers both students and staff ample time to pursue outdoor passions, whether they be paddle boarding across the fully-stocked lake or riding singletrack in adjacent Dupont State Forest.

• Work with a diverse group of individuals who have across-the-board experience in not only direct care, but academics, therapeutics, and outdoor leadership as well.

• A  rotating-shift schedule that allows for frequent off-time.

• Lodging and meals during shifts.

• The option of health, dental, and vision insurance benefits after 30 days.

Any interested applicants should send their resume, cover letter and copies of relevant certifications (Basic First Aid, CPR, WFR) to [email protected]

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The Academy at Trails Carolina is a prescriptive length-of-stay therapeutic boarding school nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Therapists deliver clinically sophisticated services to both students and families in an environment that feels more personal than institutional.

Engaging, creative academics emphasize small class sizes and empower students to become self-directed and motivated learners.

Our nurturing community bolsters each student’s capacity to address their problems, cultivate their strengths, prepare for the challenges ahead and ultimately, realize their potential as students, family members and individuals.

The Academy’s efficacy is in its size. Set on over 500 acres, our intentionally small population of 14-22 students allows for a remarkably individualized and integrated program of treatment. The collaboration between clinical, academic and student life teams is central to our success.

Our seasoned staff often transcend labels of “Therapist” or “Teacher” by engaging with students through real relationships: on mountain bike rides, in games of chess and around the lunch table. The expertise of our residential Mentors and their delivery of creative, fun and service-oriented activities are the underpinnings of our robust student life program.

The successes our students experience are unique yet enduring: graduates of the Academy are poised to excel, with newfound confidence and competence, within their families, their peer group and communities, and ultimately, themselves