About Us

The Mission of The Pinnacle Schools, Inc. is to develop adolescents who are self-directed, educated and contributing members of society.

To support this mission, we resolve to provide an environment of respect, acceptance, skill development and challenge which fosters the personal development and emotional growth of our students. We are one component of a continuum of growth for struggling teens and their families.

The Pinnacle Schools (TPS) was founded in the spring of 2005, by a group of caring professionals, committed to effective and affordable high quality services for troubled teens and their families. The programs of The Pinnacle Schools are based on the effective assessment and treatment of "at-risk teens".

What began as a single outdoor therapeutic program for "troubled teens" in 2005 has evolved and grown into four separate and distinct programs, each designed to meet the individual needs of the teen and their family.

• Elk River Treatment Program - Therapeutic Intervention Program that provides diagnostic, assessment, education and treatment services on a base campus. Program length is determined by needs of the child (from 8 weeks to one year)
• Elk River Academy - Individualized Transitional Therapeutic School with a flexible length of stay up to one year.
• Elk River Healthy Lifestyles - Teen Weight Management Program focusing on nutrition and positive behaviors while building self-esteem. 
• The Pinnacle Schools Huntsville Campus - A Private Year-Round High School in Huntsville, Alabama.

The Programs of The Pinnacle Schools (TPS) provide diagnostic, assessment, education and intervention services for troubled teens, ages 12-18, and their families. Our programs are based on a medical model with physician-directed medication management and 24 hour medical/nursing care. TPS staff physicians and professional referral sources work together to help manage your child's medications. TPS will not change a child's medications or dosages without prior approval from parents and the child's professional therapist.

Education is Essential. We believe "no child left behind" also applies to teen residential treatment programs. The Pinnacle Schools pioneered the use of comprehensive academics in the short-term residential setting, and because of our flexible length of stay, students can complete a quarter, semester or full academic year. Your child's school work while in treatment should transfer to his/her school or college.  Continued medical and psychological therapies, along with education, ensure long term success. Our Academic Administrator works closely with parents, students and counselors to design an individualized program of study that best supports each student's specific goals, while providing a safe learning environment in which their self-esteem is positively impacted by success in school. We offer courses from grades 6 through 12.

Financial Responsibility. The Pinnacle Schools understands the financial responsibility of a residential treatment program can be overwhelming. As a company, advocating for troubled teens and their families is of utmost importance. During these difficult economic times, we recognize that every family is struggling. To this end, we strive to keep our costs as low as possible. 

Our program fees are all-inclusive. There is no additional fee for the application, processing, academics, or the necessary gear required to participate in the program. Transport/escort services (recommendations are available) and psychological testing, if not performed prior to admission, are billed separately by the providers.

Student loans are an option for parents considering a private education for their child. Financing your child's education and treatment with a student loan allows you to make low monthly payments over a period of time. Health care loans are not collateralized and are often less expensive to obtain than a mortgage loan. These loans can include all of your educational expenses such as tuition, student transport/escort fees and airfare. TPS maintains a relationship with two behavioral health loan companies. To research the possibility of financing your child's tuition contact My Medical Loan at (800) 788-0711, American HealthCare Lending at (800) 625-7412, ext. 100 or Clark Behavioral Health Financing at (888) 755-3080.

Insurance. Our Insurance Administrator will research eligibility for coverage through your insurance company. All coverage is policy specific. As a courtesy, will submit a claim to your insurance company, but as every insurance policy is different, we cannot guarantee reimbursement.

TPS is a network provider for Value Options Commercial Division. Our programs are covered for eligible Value Option members, excluding TRICARE. You may call our Administrative Office toll free at (866) 906-TEEN (8336) or (256) 518-9998 to speak with our Insurance and Billing Administrator.