Academics & Schooling at Lakeside Academy

Helping Teen Boys Stay on Track Academically While They Heal

When a teen is struggling with substance use, behavioral challenges, mental health concerns, or academic failure, many parents worry that getting help will mean falling even further behind in school.

At Lakeside Academy, academic success is an essential part of recovery. Our students receive licensed treatment and counseling services while continuing their education through an onsite public school partnership. This integrated approach allows teen boys to make progress toward graduation while building the skills they need for long-term success.

Whether your son is behind on credits, struggling in a traditional classroom environment, or simply needs a fresh start, Lakeside Academy provides the structure, support, and individualized education he needs to move forward.

Learn more about our comprehensive treatment program for teen boys.

Onsite Public School Education

Students at Lakeside Academy are enrolled in the Southwest Metro School District (Intermediate District 288), a Minnesota public school program that operates directly on our campus. This allows students to continue their education without interruption while participating in treatment and recovery programming.

Unlike many residential programs that rely solely on online coursework, Lakeside Academy offers a blend of:

• Traditional classroom instruction
• Online learning opportunities
• Project-based learning experiences
• Individualized academic support

This flexible approach helps students engage in learning in ways that fit their unique strengths, needs, and goals.  Explore more about campus life at Lakeside Academy.

Personalized Learning Plans for Every Student

No two students arrive with the same academic history.

After enrollment, each student receives a comprehensive academic assessment that evaluates:

• Current grade level
• Academic performance
• Reading and math proficiency
• Educational history
• Existing IEPs or 504 plans
• Credit status and graduation requirements

Based on this assessment, educators develop a personalized learning plan designed to help each student succeed.

This individualized approach allows students who are behind to recover credits while helping advanced students continue progressing toward their educational goals.

Families often begin by reviewing our admissions process to understand how enrollment works.

Support for Students with IEPs and 504 Plans

Many families wonder what happens to special education services when their son enters a residential program.

At Lakeside Academy, existing IEPs and educational records are transferred and incorporated into each student’s academic plan. Staff work directly with the student’s home district to ensure continuity of educational support and accommodations whenever possible.

Our goal is to provide an environment where students can receive the support they need while continuing to make meaningful academic progress.

Small Class Sizes, Greater Individual Attention

Students often struggle in traditional school settings because they feel lost in large classrooms.

At Lakeside Academy, the teacher-to-student ratio is typically 1:10 or lower and never exceeds 1:15. This smaller learning environment allows educators to provide more individualized attention, accountability, and encouragement.

Benefits of smaller class sizes include:

• Increased student engagement
• More personalized instruction
• Better academic monitoring
• Stronger student-teacher relationships
• Improved classroom behavior
• Greater confidence in learning

For many students, this level of support becomes a turning point in their academic journey.

Credit Recovery and Graduation Support

Many students arrive at Lakeside Academy significantly behind in school due to truancy, behavioral issues, substance use, or previous academic struggles.

Our academic team works closely with each student to create a path forward.

Students may be able to:

• Recover lost credits
• Catch up academically
• Stay on track for graduation
• Complete graduation requirements
• Transfer earned credits back to their home school
• Graduate while enrolled at Lakeside Academy

In some cases, students who complete high school requirements while in the program may even begin taking online college courses.

Project-Based Learning That Builds Real-World Skills

Not every student thrives in a traditional classroom.

That’s why Lakeside Academy incorporates project-based learning opportunities that help students develop practical skills, responsibility, teamwork, and confidence. These experiences complement academic instruction while helping students discover interests and strengths that may have gone unnoticed in a conventional school setting.

By connecting education to real-world applications, students often become more engaged and motivated to learn.

Education Within a Structured Therapeutic Environment

Academic success doesn’t happen in isolation.

Many of the students who come to Lakeside Academy have experienced challenges that affect every area of life, including school performance. Substance use, anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral struggles, and family conflict can make learning difficult.

Our integrated model combines:

• Licensed substance use treatment
• Mental health counseling
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Character development
• Structured daily routines
• Academic support

This comprehensive approach helps students address the underlying issues that may have contributed to academic decline while developing healthier habits and greater personal responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Help Your Son Build a Stronger Future

Academic struggles don’t have to define your son’s future.

At Lakeside Academy, teen boys receive the structure, support, and individualized education they need to continue progressing toward graduation while addressing the challenges that brought them here. Through onsite schooling, personalized learning plans, and comprehensive therapeutic support, students can rebuild confidence, develop healthy habits, and prepare for a brighter future.

Contact Lakeside Academy today to learn how our integrated academic and recovery program can help your son succeed—in school and in life.