Turning Winds Academic Institute

Turning Winds Academic Institute (TWAI) is a coeducational therapeutic boarding school for troubled teens in grades 9-12.^[1] Therapeutic boarding schools integrate academic instruction with therapeutic treatments for the emotional, behavioral, and academic growth of the child. The facility is located in Troy, Montana,^[2] with headquarters in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.^[3] The school was founded by members of the Baisden family following the murder of their teenage daughter/sister.

History

Turning Winds Academic Institute was founded in 2002 by father-and-son team John Baisden and John Baisden, Jr. after tragedy struck their family. 17-year-old Vanessa Baisden, their troubled daughter and sister, was kidnapped and murdered by an acquaintance.^[4] This prompted the family to explore opportunities for helping at-risk teens. TWAI remains owned and operated by the Baisden family, although John Baisden, Sr., no longer plays an active leadership role.

Facility

The TWAI campus is located on a 150-acre property in the Purcell Mountains of northwestern Montana. A large part of the school's treatment philosophy relies on outdoor education and recreation. The property is transected by the Yaak River, which offers students opportunities for fishing and swimming in the summer months. The facility can house a maximum of 45 students, enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to its educational and mental health staff, TWAI employs an on-site registered nurse as well as a professionally trained chef for meal preparation.

Student Profile

Since its establishment, approximately 1,000 adolescents have been through the TWAI program. The school was approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) in 2008, enabling the institution to enroll international students.^[5]

The school's student population consists of 79.3% white/non-Hispanic; 10.3% Hispanic; 6.9% black, non-Hispanic; and 3.4% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.^[6]

TWAI serves adolescents with both behavioral concerns and diagnosed conditions, such as substance abuse, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and bipolar disorder.

References