The Charlton School
Over a century of caring for youth
PO Box 47/322 Lake Hill Rd. Burnt Hills, NY 12027 Tel.(518)399-8182 Fax (518)399-8195

Programs

During the school year, between 2 PM and 9PM, students are offered a variety of educational and recreational programs.  Choices include Arts and Crafts, computers, physical activities, board games, and community service projects. 

The campus has a variety of recreational equipment including an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, mountain bikes, in-line skates, a work-out room, camping facilities and a fishing pond.  A full Arts and Crafts Program is also available.

 The programming at Charlton is designed to offer structured activities that provide physical movement and creative challenges in a healthy, drug-free, setting. 

Therapeutic Arts & Crafts Program

Charlton offers a Therapeutic Arts & Crafts Program in order to provide the students with opportunities for creative self-expression and a stimulating learning experience in a wide variety of artistic modalities.  The program is specifically designed to be an enjoyable activity and a meaningful experience in education and self-awareness.

Therapeutic Animal Care Program

An Animal Care Program, made up of a variety of domesticated farm animals, (horses, goats, chickens, etc), is an important part of The Charlton School’s overall treatment program. It is designed to give the students the opportunity to be positively involved in the care and nurturing of animals.

 This goal is consistent with one of Charlton’s primary objectives of helping students to experience the relationship between privilege and responsibility.  It is also meant to put students in the role of care giver which offers them the esteem necessary to facilitate their growth and healing.

Cottage Living

The primary treatment opportunities at The Charlton School occur in the living units or cottages.  The most extensive relationships and activities revolve around cottage life and peer relationships.  Under the guidance of trained Youth Care Workers a student is assisted in learning how to be successfully involved with others, how to direct her own life and how to make important life decisions.

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Therapy

Our Therapists are an integral part of our treatment program.  They meet with each girl for individual therapy and also provide family therapy on a regular basis.  Additionally, they are responsible for facilitating the weekly  treatment groups and are involved in staff training.  The Director of Residential Services is responsible for the overall operation of each cottage as well as for the supervision of the Youth Care Staff.

 Psychological and Psychiatric Services

 Our psychologist and psychiatrist are utilized to work directly with the girls for evaluation purposes and are also involved in staff training, treatment recommendations and clinical consultations. 

Family Involvement

For many of our young women the goal of placement is to successfully return to their families.  Charlton plans for families to be involved in the growth and change process.  Family involvement in the treatment program is known to be a key to the long-term success of our students.

Off Campus Activities

Involvement by the girls in a variety of family and community activities is encouraged and facilitated by Charlton staff.  Regular home visits are encouraged on weekends, holidays, and during school vacations.  These visits are a key part of our treatment and are tied closely to the Family Therapy Program.

Recreation

Active participation in recreation is seen as an important part of a girl’s self esteem and growth process.  Opportunities for creative physical activities, both on and off campus, are provided.  There is also regular free time during which the girls pursue their own interests and activities.

Community Involvement

The students are encouraged and helped to participate in a variety of community service activities such as volunteering at the local nursing home. The act of giving helps the students experience an enhanced service of self-respect and esteem.

Volunteer opportunity

Charlton provide opportunities for mature and responsible individuals to work with our students either as tutors, visitation resources or off campus activities.  Call or e-mail for more information. 

                               Spiritual

Charlton recognizes the importance of spiritual growth and development on the part of our students.  Special groups on spiritually encourages and facilitates discussions about spiritual belief and values and encourages the students to attend a church of their choice in the community.

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