Whimsy Farm was founded on our strongly held belief that every child should have the opportunity to pursue his or her education in an atmosphere free of fear. The principles of attention, balance and compassion are at the core of each child's experience at Whimsy Farm. Children are supported and nurtured in the discovery of themselves as learners, members of a community and secure and self-assured individuals. These attributes are taught and nourished in a community permeated by the core values of compassion, tolerance and acceptance. Our philosopy of education is consistent with our appreciation for the holistic nature of the learner. We encourage each learner to bring his or her own curiosity to the core curriculum. We aspire, with each child, to educational excellence. At the heart of instruction is the maxim to never lose one's sense of wonder and creative exploration.
WHIMSY
FARM
.Whimsy Farm is an appropriate placement for boys and girls in grades 7-12 who are in need of a therapeutic boarding school. Most of our students have been diagnosed with mood and anxiety disorders and have struggled to connect in school, often not being able to attend at all. Many have become alienated and isolated from family and friends unable to find value and joy in their own lives. Most of our students and their families have sought help in other ways. Community resources such as psychotherapy and educational adaptations have not been successful in turning the tide. Many of our students have benefited from intensive in-patient interventions and, after completing their course of treatment, are looking to return to school with a level of therapeutic support that will continue to foster healing and growth. The Whimsy Farm student is of average to above average cognitive ability and may be clinically characterized by one or more of the following:
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Anxiety Disorders
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Mood Disorders
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Learning Disabilities
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ADHD
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Adoption-related issues
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Autism Spectrum Disorders
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School Avoidant or School Phobic
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY
Whimsy Farm reaches out to students who want to discover, and share, what is uniquely good in themselves. We have discovered that one of the greatest assests for a student's education is the courage and committment that he or she finds in a supportive community. It is in such an environment that young people come to learn, and share, and grow. In the midst of amazing natural and educational resources we find that the greatest resource of all is the human resource that generates the caring, nurturance, support and regard which is fundemental to Whimsy Farm life. We support each other when things are hard. The entire community of faculty and students strive to learn, embrace, and embody compassion, integrity, and tolerance. Adminstration and faculty are here to help students appreciate and love themselves, grow in confidence and character, and to reach out to their fellows in support.
WHIMSY FARM STUDENT