Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05
May 15, 2008 issue
Rainbow Center’s High Country Academy Program Grand Opening May 22
Rainbow Center – Children & Family Services (RCCFS) is proud to announce the grand opening of High Country Academy (HCA) on May 22. This event kicks off with a ribbon cutting at 4:00 p.m. and an open house at 6:00 p.m. HCA is located at 8996 Highway 221 in Fleetwood.
“We’re thrilled to begin offering this service to the community. High Country Academy is a day treatment program that will be a fresh start for children who have made mistakes or need specialized attention,” said RCCFS CEO Glenda Andrews.
HCA will help children ages 10 to 17 who are unable to attend public school because of behavioral problems. The program will teach appropriate behaviors, provide counseling, require parental involvement and offer basic academics.
Andrews added, “We’ve identified the need for this program a few years ago and have been working towards making it happen. I’ve seen children in our residential care program that would greatly benefit from day treatment. High Country Academy will help many who struggle in school succeed.”
RCCFS began this effort in February 2007 and just over a year later the facility is preparing to open the doors for children with identified treatment needs such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anger issues, depression and problems with substance abuse.
HCA will serve approximately 24 to 48 children per year from Ashe, Watauga and Wilkes counties. The program has a maximum of 12 children per classroom and a four to one child to staff ratio.
“High Country Academy has been a great undertaking for the Rainbow Center, and we are excited to be officially opening our doors on May 22 in Fleetwood. Everyone is invited to attend and help us celebrate this momentous occasion,” said RCCFS Campaign Chair John Matthews.
HCA is a collaborative effort between RCCFS, the Greater Fleetwood Preservation Organization (GFPO) and the Ashe, Watauga and Wilkes County School Systems.
For more information about the grand opening, contact Koren Huskins at khuskins@rccfs.com or 336-667-3333, or call Matthews at 336-262-4435.