Greenbrier Academy
| Greenbrier Academy | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| , | |
| Information | |
| Type | Private, Boarding |
| Founder | L. Jay Mitchell |
| Closed | 2023 |
| NCES School ID | A0990141[1] |
| Director | John Grago |
| Grades | 8-12 |
| Website | Greenbrier Academy |
Greenbrier Academy for Girls (GBA) is a therapeutic, college preparatory boarding school in Pence Springs, West Virginia for grades 8-12. Surrounded by a 140-acre (57 ha) campus, the Academy’s main building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. GBA is located in rural southeastern West Virginia. The Academy has been linked to multiple cases of child neglect, as well as the troubled teen industry. Greenbrier Academy announced plans to close on March 13, 2023.
Academics and Student Life
The school is accredited by AdvancED[2] and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, and claims that 100% of its recent graduates have matriculated to college.[3] The school offers a traditional curriculum of high-school level Mathematics, English, Science, Social Studies, and various languages. The average class size is about ten students. Greenbrier Academy also offers classes in the arts, with a special focus on African Drumming and other African rituals.[4]
The school also offers activities which include Yearbook Club, Running Club, Poetry Club, music lessons, basketball, skiing and outdoor adventures.[5] The school also gives students the chance participate in service to the community[6] and to go on service trips to Africa and Nicaragua.
Therapeutics
The school also offers a number of therapy programs, centered on a philosophy called "Strong" or "Applied Relationality." This philosophy is not widely recognized and seems to be based on a book by the founder of the school,[7] self-proclaimed guru and former lawyer L. Jay Mitchell (see Controversy below). This philosophy claims that the "primary cause" of apparently any symptoms exhibited by adolescents is that "her perceptions of past, present, and future relationsal experiences." According to the philosophy, "Present perceptions of past experiences guide our behaviors and emotions" and that through viewing things in the appropriate context, healing can happen.[8] The philosophy appears to be similar to Social Cognitive Theory.
As part of its therapeutic mission, the school offers animal therapy, a family program, and something the school calls "Village"[9] which is based on a therapeutic construct called the "Hermeneutic Circle."
The school also offers continuing care through its Alumni network.[10]
References
- ^ "Search for Private Schools – School Detail for Greenbrier Academy For Girls". National Center for Education Statistics. Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ^ "AdvancED - Institution Summary". Advanc-ed.org. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
- ^ "Courses: WV All-Girls Boarding School | Greenbrier Academy". Greenbrieracademy.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2016. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
- ^ "The Arts at All-Girls Boarding School | Greenbrier Academy". Greenbrieracademy.com. Archived from the original on January 27, 2016. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
- ^ "Girls Boarding School Sports Programs | Greenbrier Academy". Greenbrieracademy.com. Archived from the original on January 31, 2016. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
- ^ Wickline, Alison. "Habitat for Humanity build serves two local veterans". Wvva.com. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
- ^ L Jay Mitchell (August 29, 2014). Decide Now: The Good Life or The Best Life. ISBN 978-0990512707.
- ^ "Therapeutic Philoshopy & World View | Greenbrier Academy". Greenbrieracademy.com. Archived from the original on January 26, 2016. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
- ^ "The Village: Therapeutic Girls School | Greenbrier Academy". Greenbrieracademy.com. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
- ^ "West Virginia Boarding School for Girls | Greenbrier Academy". Greenbrieracademy.com. Retrieved February 4, 2016.