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ACADEMICS: The Academy at SOAR is a non-public school, and therefore can grant academic credit and graduate students. Academic work will be closely coordinated with the student’s “home” school; thus, ensuring the granting of appropriate graduation credits.  SOAR is able to offer individual academic course credits in the following areas: Math, Science, Language Arts and History.  Please contact our office for a complete list of credits offered.

EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION EXPERIENCES COMMON TO ALL COURSES:
Personal financial management         Project planning and preparation        Service learning projects   
First Aid and CPR certifications        Menu planning and food preparation    Laundry & life skills
Group initiatives & problem solving activities

FAMILY COMPONENT: Each semester concludes with a three-day family component, comprised of student presentations, parents' roundtable discussion, teambuilding activities, and evaluations. This is your opportunity to celebrate your child’s success, and will be an invaluable tool for your family during your student’s transition back home.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: All course equipment will be furnished with the exception of personal clothing, personal gear, backpack, and sleeping bag. Upon acceptance, each participant will receive a complete Gear List.

PHYSICAL CONDITION: Individuals in good physical condition can successfully complete every aspect of the course.  Students will complete an exercise routine each day, which may include a morning jog, walk or other aerobic activity. The use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances will not be tolerated.

EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL WELL-BEING: The overall well-being of each of our students is the top priority of all SOAR staff. This essential element is planned into every program activity.  Social, physical, and emotional securities are continual considerations.

STAFF: Instructors are selected based on experience, maturity, sensitivity, and caring, which enables them to relate well to young people. Each has medical training necessary to provide care in the wilderness setting.  All are trained professionals in fields such as special and secondary education, recreation therapy, counseling, and outdoor and experiential education.  The staff member to participant ratio is a low 1:4. 

TRANSPORTATION: Each team travels by air and by car in a fifteen-passenger van.

MEDICATION: SOAR staff  receive extensive training on all aspects of medication administration, including information about the common types taken by LD and AD/HD youth, their purpose and contraindications, and a standard protocol for administering the medication. 

MULTIPLE SEMESTERS: Most students choose to attend a full academic year as significant growth can be realized the longer students are able to participate.

COMMUNICATION: One of the student’s greatest opportunities in the program is developing independence. However, this may mean limited communication with family and friends. With over 30 years experience, SOAR has found that while limiting communication can be challenging, it provides students the opportunity to disconnect from their past environment and enhances their ability to become self aware and proactive in advocating their needs to staff.

FACILITIES: SOAR’s Outdoor Education Center is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Balsam, North Carolina. Students will stay in cabins while on base, and in tents while in the field.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact our Director of Admissions or Logan Walters, Semester Course Director, at 828.456.3435 and visit our website at www.soarnc.org.