Motivating Gifted, Defiant, and Unconvinced Students to Succeed at The John Dewey Academy

The John Dewey Academy (JDA) provides intensive instruction for bright troubled and troublesome teens who need residential treatment. In its 20-year history, all graduates have attended colleges of quality, and more than 70% complete at least their secondary education. This article describes the primary guiding principles that have produced positive results unrivaled by other special purpose schools and residential treatment centers for adolescents who are not amenable to traditional approaches.