Elan School is a private residential school for troubled teens, located in Poland, Maine. Elan was founded in 1970 by two men, Dr. Gerald Davidson, a psychiatrist in a private practice and Joseph Ricci, who himself was a graduate of a self-help community.
Dr. Davidson saw the disappointing results and financial impracticality of conventional treatment of adolescent maladaptive behavior, and recognized the limitations of psychotherapy in the treatment of inadequately socialized adolescents. Dr. Davidson's professional background in psychiatry, coupled with Joseph Ricci's leadership and background in establishing and directing self-help facilities in the State of Connecticut lead to the creation of one of the greatest educational self-help schools in the nation.
Elan School is the brainchild of these two very talented men, and today continues the teachings of mainstream values of American society and provides support and specialized care for adolescents with behavioral problems. The 160-bed co-educational residential school for adolescents is located 25 miles north of Portland, Maine and 140-miles north of Boston, Massachusetts, in rural Poland, ME. Licensed by the Maine Department of Education as a residential, special-purpose junior and senior high school, Elan School has opened it's doors to many troubled teens across the world and has helped in the growth, development and treatment of thousands of students since it's opening over 35 years ago.
When Ricci passed away in 2001, 51 senators and representatives in the Maine Legislature adopted a special resolution in honor of Mr. Ricci recognizing his "energy, dedication and service to his community and the state" and "his many achievements, including co-founding the Elan adolescent treatment center." After Ricci's death, Sharon Terry assumed the role of Executive Director of Elan School. More about Elan School...
Elan's purpose is not to change an ill-behaved child into a well-behaved child, but rather to return home a responsible young adult.
Elan believes that a child must learn responsibility as a citizen before behavior is impacted. In this way, Elan School's alumni, unlike other similar therapeutic schools' alumni, have a better understanding of the world, their responsibility to the community and human-kind and the importance of citizenship and good-will. An Elan student will be taught the ability to reason and distinguish between what is needed and what is desired and to strive toward positive goals.
We understand how lonely and confused you feel. Parenting is not an easy task. Each child has different needs and the development of each child is unique and dependent on many factors. You must understand that you are not alone. Every parent asks themselves this question at some point; however, the past cannot be changed regardless whether you did everything right or if you failed in a few areas. Many parents have found their own healing through their child's Elan experience. Today could be your first step to helping your child live a happy, healthy and long life. If this is what you want for your child, you are not a failure.
By going to Elan, you have entered a truly different school and have started a journey that will change your entire life. Elan cannot offer miracles, but they offer hope to many parents. It has been a painful road, but Elan School has proven it's ability to change the course of many adolescent lives.
Elan School accepts referrals from parents/legal guardians, school districts, government agencies, therapists, educational consultants, psychologists, psychiatrists, and anyone with a personal or professional interest in the student. Elan's Admissions Staff can assist you with determining appropriateness of your child.
The Elan School Admissions Department must have the following information in order to consider a student:
• Current Psychological Evaluation
• Educational Records
• Application for Admission
• Discharge Summaries if previously placed
• Report Cards (7th and 8th Grade)
• Transcripts (9th to Present Grade)
Questions of appropriateness are resolved via phone calls; occasionally an interview is required. If Elan's criteria are met, the referral source is notified, first by phone, and then in writing; funding is verified (if privately placed, Elan's Financial Statement is required); and details of admission are finalized.
In order to maximize understanding of the Elan School program, parents receive a comprehensive tour before admission. The tour includes a visit through one of the houses, escorted by an Elan student who will explain the details of the program and answer any questions you may have. You will also meet with representatives from our Clinical Department, Medical, Education and Admissions.
By the date of admission, school transcripts, birth certificate, immunization records, medical authorizations, health insurance information, and applicable legal documents (i.e. court order or divorce decree pertaining to custody and visitation) are required.
Please note that interviews, tours of the school's campus and admissions are conducted weekdays, excluding legal holidays, by appointment only.
If you are interested in learning more about our program at Elan or would like an application and brochure packet sent to you, please contact the Elan School Admissions Department.
Elan School follows the State of Maine requirements for high school graduation and is licensed by the Maine Department of Education. Elan is also a proud member of NATSAP, the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs. Furthermore, the staff and faculty at Elan are certified in their area of special education.
Elan School has an onsite medical clinic which provides routine medical care. A physician visits one day a week, more often if necessary. He and the medical staff are on call 24-hours a day and live within the local area. When specialized care is indicated, students are taken to area docotrs' offices or to a local hospital for emergencies.
Elan is routinely evaluated by the Maine Department of Education, in order to meet licensing requirements for the State of Maine. In addition to these evaluations, Elan has other inspections by other jurisdictions to evaluate the conditions of the property, education and living conditions of the students. Without fail, Elan School has met the requirements of these inspections and evaluations, and has made the appropriate changes where necessary to remain in compliance with the governing authorities.
Elan School offers no guarantee that a child will change his or her behavior as a result of the therapy offered at the school. They do offer the promise that every opportunity will be taken to ensure your child receives the therapy, counseling, education, assistance and guidance necessary to encourage your child's growth and development into a responsible member of society. All of these things offered by the most experienced and highly certified faculty, staff and administration available.