Pinnacle Named to Inc. 5000
Upon receiving the news of The Pinnacle Schools’ Inc. 5000 ranking, Founder, President and CEO Karen Lee said, “The timing wasn’t exactly conducive for a start-up. We had just witnessed September 11th, our men and women were going to war, the banking industry and stock market were crumbling. When I think back on it, I am in awe that we survived. But survived we did – and flourished. Thankfully I wasn’t alone then and I’m not alone now. My leaders and staff are empathetic, educated, experienced caregivers to struggling teens. Changing the lives of families is the ultimate reward and the driving force that keeps me going and this company growing.”
The Elk River Treatment Program (ERTP) is a therapeutic, residential program of The Pinnacle Schools. At-risk teens from ages 12 to 18 are clinically supported with diagnostic, assessment and treatment services, as well as a full academic program while in treatment. ERTP experienced a 63% increase in enrollment from 2008 to 2009, and another 7% increase from 2009 to 2010. In 2010, a request for an increase in beds from 48 to 60 was awarded by the State of Alabama Department of Youth Services.
The Pinnacle Schools Huntsville Campus is a private year-round school specializing in education for students in grades 6-12. Courses include the full range of core curriculum, advanced placement, honors, college prep and numerous electives. The Academic Administrator works closely with parents, students and counselors to design an individualized program of study that best supports the student’s specific goals. This past year, the school reached capacity after experiencing a 107% increase in enrollment. From June 2008 to May 2009, enrollment increased 35%. School officials are currently seeking a larger building to accommodate more students.
The Pinnacle Schools was founded in 2005 by Karen Lee and Dr. Charles Lee of Huntsville after experiencing an intervention and seeking treatment for their teenage son. Dissatisfied with the treatment programs available to troubled teens and their families, Ms. Lee, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, became a committed advocate for change in the troubled teen industry. Her goal was to provide a comprehensive treatment program that would include the necessary therapeutic intervention, but also, and just as important, the academic component required to keep teens on track in school while receiving treatment.
What began as one short-term program has quickly grown to three separate and distinct treatment programs as well as a supporting private school. In six short years, The Pinnacle Schools has cared for more than 400 teens from 39 states and employs 50 dedicated and caring health care professionals and counselors in its programs.
Ms. Lee will accept the award in September at the Inc. 500/5000 Conference and Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.
