Mount Bachelor Academy

Mount Bachelor Academy

Company type	Private
Industry	Therapeutic boarding school, Education
Founded	1987
Founder	Linda Houghton
Defunct	2009
Headquarters	Prineville, Oregon , United States
Area served	United States
Products	Therapeutic boarding education for adolescents aged 14 to 18

Mount Bachelor Academy (MBA) was a private coeducational therapeutic boarding school in Oregon, catering to adolescents aged 14 to 18 who faced emotional and behavioral challenges such as mild depressive disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, substance dependency, ADHD, and issues related to adoption. Students typically remained enrolled for approximately 14 to 16 months.

Situated within the Ochoco National Forest between Prineville and Mitchell, Oregon, the campus could accommodate up to 110 students.

Academics

The academy offered an academic program throughout the year with a low ratio of students per teacher. It was approved for special education and accredited by the Oregon Department of Education. Since 1994, the institution maintained accreditation from both the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools and the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools.

History

Established in 1987 by College Health Enterprises under the leadership of educator Linda Houghton, MBA was originally intended to open in Powell Butte, Oregon but instead launched at the former Mark's Creek Lodge location. Initially designed as either a resort or a youth camp, it received approval as a private school for 60 students and gradually expanded its capacity. Around 1998, College Health Enterprises separated MBA along with other facilities into what became known as the Aspen Education Group.

Investigations and court cases

In March 1998, former staff members and parents raised allegations concerning mistreatment of high-risk students, including claims of sleep deprivation and severe disciplinary measures. Following an inquiry, the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) cleared MBA of these accusations.

A tragic incident occurred in December 1998 when a 17-year-old student died by suicide near the campus. Later, in December 2007, a group participating in a wilderness trip was briefly reported missing due to snow delays but returned unharmed.

A licensing review conducted by state authorities in 2008 commended the school’s outdoor programs, experienced personnel, and active parental involvement.

In March 2009, DHS sent a confusing notice to parents hinting at a possible closure; however, after receiving support from families and alumni, DHS clarified that no immediate closure was planned.

In April 2009, MBA became the focus of a DHS child abuse investigation. This period coincided with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Forest Grove School District v. T.A., which in June 2009 confirmed that under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, families could seek reimbursement when public schools fail to adequately serve disabled children enrolled in private institutions like MBA.

On November 3, 2009, DHS suspended MBA’s license to operate and ordered a temporary shutdown following findings of abuse and neglect. During this investigation, the Crook County Sheriff's Office reported limited cooperation from DHS.

Aspen Education Group announced on November 9, 2009 that MBA would permanently close by December 9.

MBA challenged the suspension through hearings held later that year and reached an agreement with DHS by March 2010. Executive director Sharon Bitz initiated legal action contesting both the abuse allegations and subsequent claims for damages linked to DHS conduct. Aspen Education Group also filed lawsuits disputing the substantiated abuse conclusions.

In October 2010, Oregon rescinded its orders against MBA while maintaining that DHS had reasonable grounds for its investigation. Despite the closure, Aspen Education Group indicated plans to establish a new school on the former MBA campus.

Beginning in July 2011, multiple former students brought lawsuits against MBA and its owners alleging emotional harm and abuse, collectively seeking over $37 million in damages. Following an attorney’s passing in late 2013, legal representation changed hands.

By early 2015, all lawsuits were resolved through private mediation without proceeding to trial; terms regarding compensation were kept confidential.

Program

The therapeutic framework at MBA draws heavily from the CEDU model, integrating aspects of the therapeutic community or milieu therapy approach. CEDU's evolution parallels the rise of parent-directed, private-pay residential programs, shaping numerous institutions within the Emotional Growth/Therapeutic field. MBA’s foundation rested on the ideals of Soul Searching and Emotional Growth.

In 1995, Tim Brace, then Executive Director of MBA, outlined the program structure as commencing with goal-setting sessions between faculty and students prior to academic classes held from 9:00 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. Afternoons were designated for alternating activities such as sports or arts alongside communication skills workshops—group therapy sessions known as "Lifesteps." Brace described these sessions as emotionally intense occasions where students would "yell, scream, cry and laugh" while engaging in deep self-exploration aimed at addressing past experiences and planning for their futures. The Lifesteps workshops sought to nurture emotional development within a supportive, non-judgmental setting, encouraging students to recognize their inherent worth.

Centered around principles of honesty, truthfulness, cultivating genuine relationships, goal-setting, and societal contribution, Lifesteps promoted accountability and a sense of community. The curriculum also featured outdoor pursuits and international travel opportunities, with privileges awarded as students progressed toward program completion.

The institution upheld strict regulations banning smoking, alcohol consumption, violence, and sexual activity. Until 2008, radios were not permitted in dormitories, and caffeinated beverages were prohibited. Infractions triggered disciplinary responses such as self-study—a form of solitary reflection involving written assignments.

Self study

Employed as a corrective measure for rule breaches including absconding from the program, self-study required students to engage in isolated introspective tasks.

LifeSteps

These workshops aimed at fostering emotional maturity and civic engagement typically lasted between one and three days. The La Mancha LifeStep eventually expanded into an 18-day experiential field trip. Around 2002, the program underwent revisions.

1994/1995 Timeframe	2002 - 2008	Summer 2009	Note
First Step - The Truth	discontinued
The Bridge	The Bridge	Transition Workshop 1	LifeStep titles were discontinued
Forever Young	Forever Young	Transition Workshop 2
The Castle	discontinued
The Promise	The Promise	Transition Workshop 3
Venture I	Venture	Transition Workshop 4
Venture II	discontinued
La Mancha	==>	==>	La Mancha transitioned into an optional field trip.
Veritas	Veritas	Transition Workshop 5

See also

• Attack therapy
• Large Group Awareness Training
• Family therapy
• Milieu therapy

External links

• Mount Bachelor Academy