Karen Lee
Founder, President & CEO

The Pinnacle Schools, Inc. was born of personal experience. I know what it is to be the parent of a struggling teen. I placed my son in a program at the age of 16. I remember being desperate and scared. It is a leap of faith to place your trust, much more so your child, in the hands of perfect strangers. I wanted more than anything, to know my son would be safe and cared for. It was the most difficult decision I have ever made. It was also the best. It saved my son's life and created in me a passion to advocate, wherever possible, for struggling teens and their families. The number one priority of the programs of The Pinnacle Schools is the safety and care of all.

The mission statement of The Pinnacle Schools is clear. Our goal is "to develop adolescents who are self-directed, educated and contributing members of society." We use two words often, in describing our programs. They are "Pinnacle and Challenge." The dictionary defines Pinnacle as "the highest point, the culmination of one's efforts." Challenge is defined as "a call or summons; to engage in a contest, as of skill or strength."

The programs of The Pinnacle Schools are just that; a challenge. They call out, they summon. It is a contest; not necessarily of skill or strength, but of character; the deepest part of who we are as human beings.

The challenge we offer is a contest of sorts. It is a battle and a journey to claim or re-claim one's self. It can be painful and hard, but no battle is won, no reward received, no Pinnacle is reached without some pain.

I believe strongly in a Treatment Team approach when working with struggling teens, and parents are an integral and essential part of that team. I invite you to talk with me at any time and look forward to working with you and your teen.