A father asks on the forum: Our 15-year-old son was just suspended for bringing a knife to his private school. After four years we've finally managed to get an IEP for ADHD and ED. Going back to our local public school isn't an option. It's a toxic environment for him.

We're looking for a good residential therapeutic school, and our preference would be one built on Christian faith and values.

At the moment we are considering "The Fold Family Ministries" in Vermont, "Heartlight" in Texas, and "CALO" which is in Missouri.

Has anyone had any experience, good or bad, with those schools? We'd really like to hear from parents - not just brochures.

Asking our community: Have you every felt that your teen's school was too toxic? If so, what choices do you feel you have? Do you have recommendations for this dad? Please share your thoughts, advice and experiences in the comments area.

When parents have concerns about their teen, a suggested initial intervention is to have the teen participate in therapy. Taking this step when problems start to emerge provides information about the issues a teen may be struggling with, as well as providing a supportive environment in which to make changes... read more.

More: The Courage to Parent a Troubled Teen | Parenting Troubled Teens Articles

Examinations and school tests cause a certain amount of stress for teens. This is normal and often the type of stress that is needed to push your teen to do his/her best. But too much stress will have the opposite effect and can hinder your teen's grades. Here are ways that you can help your teen tone down test stress at home... read more Ways to Help Your Teen Tone Down Test Stress.

A new study presented at an international conference in Texas demonstrates the long-term effectiveness of a classroom-based prevention program targeting teen drug use. The study tracked teens who participated in the Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) program as 7th graders(about 13-years-old) and found that their participation in the program produced long-lasting reduction in drug use 12 years later.

The study assessed LST's impact on young adults in their early to mid-20s who received the program when they were in the 7th grade. The results of the study found that participants were 23% less likely to have ever used illicit drugs than were individuals who did not receive the LST program. They were also 22% less likely to have used marijuana and 26% less likely to have engaged in non-medical pill use(prescription drug use) (such as amphetamines, barbiturates, and tranquilizers). Over 2,000 individuals participated in the follow up study; their average age at the 12-year follow-up was 24. Read More...