Video Testimonials
See what parents and students say about Diamond Ranch Academy
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Why Diamond Ranch Academy?
Diamond Ranch Academy provides hope and positive solutions for parents of troubled teens. They are one of the top boarding schools in the US for treating boys and girls ages 13-18 with a spectrum of issues ranging from substance abuse to depression and mood disorders. They have a full trained staff of licensed therapists, excellent teaching staff, and cutting edge programs that are designed to help students get ahead in the studies. DRA is a fully accredited high school with competitive sports including football, baseball, basketball, and cheer.
Real Reviews About Diamond Ranch Academy
Read what real people say about DRA Residential Treatment Center (RTC)
"I attended Diamond Ranch Academy in October 2009-August 2010. I was 15 when I entered and 16 when I left, I am 21 years old now. At 15 years old I was very lost and confused. I guess for a lack of better words I was just young and inexperienced. I didn't think too much about the future or what would come if I had continue living my life the way I was. No regard for the law, no regard for any authority figure of any kind. Including my parents and my guardians at the time (my aunt and uncle). I dropped out of high school, I started using drugs recreationally, and most importantly I lost sight of what was most important, my SELF WORTH. I had given up on myself and any future I wanted to have as a young boy.
When I as in the process of being transported to Diamond Ranch I was livid!! More than just livid I was confused and scared as well. Two really big gentlemen pulled me out of my car in broad daylight in front of my dad and grandma. I didn't know where I was going or what was to come of this. They told me I was going to boarding school in Utah. They made it seem really sweet and awesome. They told me I would go snowboarding and rock climbing and get to use the phone and Internet so I was actually kind of thrilled. I’m sure you know how the transports take place so i wont bore you with that story.
Now on to the most important part of this email. When I arrived to Diamond Ranch it was such a surreal experience. I mean when I was in homeless sitting outside looking at the mountains I would literally wait for them all to move away as if it were a portait from a movie. Words can’t describe the things I felt and emotions I felt while sitting down silently with all the time in the world to reflect on how I ended up here in the first place. And it took me a very long time to figure it out. I was in homeless for 2 and a half months because I just wouldn't comply and do what I was supposed to do because I was still feeling rebellious and not happy with the cards I was dealt. Or the cards I dealt to myself realistically. But once I got out of homeless and made friends and became friends with the staff my entire experience changed..
I am a baseball player so I joined the baseball team and things were so awesome!! It felt so good to actually be apart of something that you know is constructive and beneficial. I felt as if I really got to unleash my true talent and raw potential as I played catcher and that was something out of my comfort zone. But I owned that position and have some of the most amazing memories on those fields. I also caught Jon South who had an arm from God. At Diamond Ranch I also wrote a 450 page book that I am in the process of publishing now (yes it took me 5 years to get it right lol). Which all of my friends got to read while I was there and they kept motivating me to push and write because they wanted to read more. So much good has come from Diamond Ranch and I can LITERALLY go on forever and ever about the good it has done for me.
I think what I'm actually trying to get at here today is that when I first got to Diamond Ranch I despised it. I despised the people, the staff, the smell, the colors, everything. But things changed. I am a grown man here today and I am here to tell you that IT WORKED. I am an aspiring musician and I own a vapor shop in South Florida called Vapor Life. The market for vapor is incredible and was too much to pass up on. So I took a chance and it’s going great! I can honestly say the only reason why I am where I am today is because of Diamond Ranch. Like i said I can go on forever about the good the program did for me but you wouldn't get to finish your work day. This email would be infinitely long. I have made a lot of mistakes in my life and done things I will never do again thanks to you…
The staff at DRA touched my heart. You touched my heart because I know you all have hearts. Every single one of you. From the kitchen staff to the teachers to the night time and day time staff as well. I haven’t had hate in my heart since I left DRA. Not once. For anyone or anything. I realize how truly beautiful life is thanks to a program that I never wanted to do or I could never get anyone to believe I attended. I want to send so many special thank you’s but in all reality it was every single individual that made my experience what it was.
I never once thought you guys were a scam or were trying to intentionally hurt people. It hurts me when I see things like that but then I realize that not everybody welcomes change. Not everybody wants to be a better person for tomorrow and would rather point the finger for today. Their hearts were never truly open and I’m sorry for that. I’m sorry that you can’t reach everyone how you reached me. But that is life and I’m sure you understand. I lost a very close DRA friend of mine, Samuel Bacon. I realized that the bond that I have with the people I lived with for 10 months is a brotherly bond that can NEVER be broken, not even by time.
I LOVE YOU GUYS SOO MUCH AND THANK YOU FOR POINTING ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION TO MAKE ME THE MAN I AM TODAY!!! I can never repay you for saving my life.
P.s. I would LOVE to visit one day. I want to see how everything is run and get the amazing opportunity to see the way you are touching and changing lives today."
-Former DRA Student
"It will not be an easy decision to send your child to the Diamond Ranch Academy. Certainly, I had not experienced many things more painful than to see my son leave in the early morning with two strangers, and to realize that I was entrusting him to the care of an institution and people that I had researched but not seen personally.
I cannot assure you that your child will have a positive and successful tenure at the Diamond Ranch Academy. But I can assure you that there is one individual there, Rod Peterson, the director of the art program, who helped my son to realize a talent that no one (not even my son) realized existed. For that I will be forever grateful.
Mr. Peterson mentored my son. He advised my son. He remained steadfast in his belief in my son, and he directed him responsibly, patiently, and with genuine care. Even after my son left the DRA, after the faculty and staff's responsibility toward my son had terminated, Mr. Peterson continued to address my son's interests, potential, and needs. He attended a Utah State High School Art Awards Ceremony in Springville, Utah, with my son. He later entered one of my son's paintings in a separate competition in St. George. He demonstrated through his actions that he believed in my son, and I fervently hope that because of these actions, my son will believe in himself.
Mr. Peterson's art program at the Diamond Ranch Academy is a site of safety and creativity, work and self expression that provided my son with that one link that he needed with "life" to continue at the Diamond Ranch Academy, and ultimately to have some success. The DRA Art Program is a testament of the value and the importance of art as a medium to touch the soul of a boy who closed off other media. Mr. Rod Peterson is a testament of the value of a caring professional who knows how to reach those individuals who may feel abandoned and alone. He is an example of all that is good in the beauty and wisdom of art."
Grant S.
"Before we decided on Diamond Ranch Academy (DRA), we were desperate parents. Our son was on a downward spiral, and we had to make a quick decision. We took a leap of faith, and decided on DRA having only spoken with staff. It was difficult, but we are certainly thankful for our conversation with Dan, and the ultimate decision we made to send him to the school.
We cannot say enough about our teen's experience at DRA. From the transport to the campus, to the graduation celebration 11 months later, the experience was beyond what we had expected. While there are many, many aspects of DRA that are worthy of discussion, the one aspect of the Academy that underlies all the others is the quality of the staff. The moment our son entered DRA he was greeted by and thereafter interacted daily with individuals who were one-hundred percent committed to his success. The therapeutic experience at DRA is second to none. But, equally important is the availability of extracurricular activities in which the students are encouraged to participate. Many teens, our son included, would have never been able to enhance their self-esteem through theater or athletics in a regular high school setting. However, DRA makes available to students a wide variety of activities that allows them to grow in strength and character. It is only up to the students to decide where and how they would want to participate. Watching our son compete in wrestling, perform a solo, and have a key role in a play, may have been the proudest moments of our lives. Doing that was only brought about through the dedicated work of the staff in building his self-esteem and his confidence. For that we will be ever grateful.
For those considering a therapeutic boarding school for their teen, we would highly recommend Diamond Ranch Academy. We believe in the program, and more importantly, we believe in the staff. They are second to none."
David K. - Purcellville, Virginia
"We are beyond pleased with Diamond Ranch Academy and I have to believe this is one of the finest facilities we could have chosen to help our son. In the midst of our living hell dealing with our son's extreme behavioral and substance abuse issues, we had very little time to research places that could provide the proper rehabilitation and resources needed to save our son's life. We found DRA online and dug up all the information and feedback we could find from people that had dealt with the organization. We contacted this academy and several others and DRA responded immediately and remained in close contact over the coming days.
Three days later we took our son to Utah for a tour of the facility and were blown away at how incredible their campus is. Beyond their amazing rehab and therapy programs, the academy offers endless opportunity for its students to become involved in activities that will help them grow and strengthen character during the recovery process. In addition to traditional academics, DRA offers fantastic programs ranging from art, drama, football, basketball, baseball, weight training and more. They even have a skate park and a barn with horses and goats.
Our son has been at Diamond Ranch since early June and we've seen such a tremendous young man emerge that I have nothing but praise for this school and the job they do. We still have a road ahead of us but I got to see my real son just a couple of weeks ago for a visit, and that young man I got to spend time with has been missing for the last couple of years. I also have to give my son credit for his attitude about being there and his commitment to engaging in the programs and taking advantage of all they have to offer him with such a positive approach. I imagine many kids remain stubborn and rebellious throughout and may not reap the full benefit of this phenomenal program.
But as for us, we thank God every day that we found Diamond Ranch Academy."
Randy S. - La Jolla, California
"Amazingly well rounded program... Support for students and family! The DRA family helped support us through the most difficult situation of our lives. Our son is thriving, catching up on school he never 'cared' about, working with animals, and learning relationship skills.
One word of advice.... If you send your child here: invest and trust the staff and program. It is paramount to your child's success."
C.B - Long Beach, California
"This summer our son graduated from Diamond Ranch Academy, has earned his Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Rank, was named to the Utah State High School Baseball All-State Honorable Mention Squad, and will be starting college with a baseball scholarship...all of these seemed like lost dreams two years ago.
Due to injury and lack of faith in himself, our son was going downhill fast two years ago. He wasn't into drugs or alcohol, but was giving up on himself and his dreams. We struggled with what to do, and at first enrolled him in a well known military school. That helped marginally (at best) for a little while, but then he just plain refused to do any classes, training, etc. We had looked at Diamond Ranch when we made the decision to send him to military school, and decided Diamond Ranch was too expensive. (Looking back, Diamond Ranch Academy was well worth every dime!)
We called Diamond Ranch, explained the situation our family was in, and they welcomed us with open arms. Our son thought DRA was incredible (especially compared to military school) and although there were rough patches, he started to take responsibility for himself and his studies. Through the counseling, athletics and academics, he found success and learned much about himself and our family.
The counselors were very patient, and are very good at seeing the diamond in the rough. The are supportive, yet firm. The staff helped him on his journey as a Boy Scout, when he decided he wanted to pursue the Rank of Eagle. His love for baseball was rekindled, and his team ended up in the State Tournament! His academics soared (his sophomore year (before DRA) he had a 1.86 GPA, his junior year he had a 3.23, his senior year was 3.59).
He applied to college, was accepted and earned a baseball scholarship! None of this would have ever happened without the dogged determination of the staff at Diamond Ranch Academy. They refused to let him give up on himself. Our daughter (5 years younger) even said she would like to go there, if it wasn't so far from home.
The campus facilities, the staff, the Dias family, and the beautiful setting all combine to make it a great place for a new start. We put our trust in DRA and it was rewarded tenfold....but you have to trust them and the program. You can't cut corners.
Diamond Ranch Academy gave us our son back and gave our son his family and dreams back. We will be eternally grateful."
Mark P. - Dillon, Colorado
"I was have a lot of problems with my 14 year old daughter and I brought her to Diamond Ranch academy. We initially looked up reviews online and were concerned bout a lot of bad reviews we saw, but we still decided to go for a visit. When we got there, we met the staff and our fears quickly disappeared. The staff is very professional, thoughtful, and patient in listening to our problems and issues we were having at home. Our daughter opened up and started admitting she had a problem with her behavior within 30 minutes of speaking with the DRA counselor. I would highly recommend DRA as a solution for your troubled youth. I think it is an excellent program and fully recommend it."
Jason T. - Las Vegas, Nevada
We are happy with his progress!
"My 15 year old son has been going to Diamond Ranch Academy for 5 months now. My husband and I both think this is the one of the greatest decisions we've ever made in our lives! My son LOVES being there and has learned so much since he started. He has become way more social and comfortable with other kids and every one else as well.
Each day of the week they plan an activity for the kids to learn from, or just to simply have fun with. The activities are amazing, My son especially loves art classes.The facility itself is very clean and secure,
As parents, we love seeing a smile on our son's face when he is dropped off and picked up.It tells me that he is comfortable at school and having a great time there. We feel very lucky to have found Diamond Ranch Academy, and happily recommend it to parents who have children who may need emotional healing to develop their self esteem.. It is really a wonderful, caring place."
Poppy B.
When I as in the process of being transported to Diamond Ranch I was livid!! More than just livid I was confused and scared as well. Two really big gentlemen pulled me out of my car in broad daylight in front of my dad and grandma. I didn't know where I was going or what was to come of this. They told me I was going to boarding school in Utah. They made it seem really sweet and awesome. They told me I would go snowboarding and rock climbing and get to use the phone and Internet so I was actually kind of thrilled. I’m sure you know how the transports take place so i wont bore you with that story.
Now on to the most important part of this email. When I arrived to Diamond Ranch it was such a surreal experience. I mean when I was in homeless sitting outside looking at the mountains I would literally wait for them all to move away as if it were a portait from a movie. Words can’t describe the things I felt and emotions I felt while sitting down silently with all the time in the world to reflect on how I ended up here in the first place. And it took me a very long time to figure it out. I was in homeless for 2 and a half months because I just wouldn't comply and do what I was supposed to do because I was still feeling rebellious and not happy with the cards I was dealt. Or the cards I dealt to myself realistically. But once I got out of homeless and made friends and became friends with the staff my entire experience changed..
I am a baseball player so I joined the baseball team and things were so awesome!! It felt so good to actually be apart of something that you know is constructive and beneficial. I felt as if I really got to unleash my true talent and raw potential as I played catcher and that was something out of my comfort zone. But I owned that position and have some of the most amazing memories on those fields. I also caught Jon South who had an arm from God. At Diamond Ranch I also wrote a 450 page book that I am in the process of publishing now (yes it took me 5 years to get it right lol). Which all of my friends got to read while I was there and they kept motivating me to push and write because they wanted to read more. So much good has come from Diamond Ranch and I can LITERALLY go on forever and ever about the good it has done for me.
I think what I'm actually trying to get at here today is that when I first got to Diamond Ranch I despised it. I despised the people, the staff, the smell, the colors, everything. But things changed. I am a grown man here today and I am here to tell you that IT WORKED. I am an aspiring musician and I own a vapor shop in South Florida called Vapor Life. The market for vapor is incredible and was too much to pass up on. So I took a chance and it’s going great! I can honestly say the only reason why I am where I am today is because of Diamond Ranch. Like i said I can go on forever about the good the program did for me but you wouldn't get to finish your work day. This email would be infinitely long. I have made a lot of mistakes in my life and done things I will never do again thanks to you…
The staff at DRA touched my heart. You touched my heart because I know you all have hearts. Every single one of you. From the kitchen staff to the teachers to the night time and day time staff as well. I haven’t had hate in my heart since I left DRA. Not once. For anyone or anything. I realize how truly beautiful life is thanks to a program that I never wanted to do or I could never get anyone to believe I attended. I want to send so many special thank you’s but in all reality it was every single individual that made my experience what it was.
I never once thought you guys were a scam or were trying to intentionally hurt people. It hurts me when I see things like that but then I realize that not everybody welcomes change. Not everybody wants to be a better person for tomorrow and would rather point the finger for today. Their hearts were never truly open and I’m sorry for that. I’m sorry that you can’t reach everyone how you reached me. But that is life and I’m sure you understand. I lost a very close DRA friend of mine, Samuel Bacon. I realized that the bond that I have with the people I lived with for 10 months is a brotherly bond that can NEVER be broken, not even by time.
I LOVE YOU GUYS SOO MUCH AND THANK YOU FOR POINTING ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION TO MAKE ME THE MAN I AM TODAY!!! I can never repay you for saving my life.
P.s. I would LOVE to visit one day. I want to see how everything is run and get the amazing opportunity to see the way you are touching and changing lives today."
-Former DRA Student
"It will not be an easy decision to send your child to the Diamond Ranch Academy. Certainly, I had not experienced many things more painful than to see my son leave in the early morning with two strangers, and to realize that I was entrusting him to the care of an institution and people that I had researched but not seen personally.
I cannot assure you that your child will have a positive and successful tenure at the Diamond Ranch Academy. But I can assure you that there is one individual there, Rod Peterson, the director of the art program, who helped my son to realize a talent that no one (not even my son) realized existed. For that I will be forever grateful.
Mr. Peterson mentored my son. He advised my son. He remained steadfast in his belief in my son, and he directed him responsibly, patiently, and with genuine care. Even after my son left the DRA, after the faculty and staff's responsibility toward my son had terminated, Mr. Peterson continued to address my son's interests, potential, and needs. He attended a Utah State High School Art Awards Ceremony in Springville, Utah, with my son. He later entered one of my son's paintings in a separate competition in St. George. He demonstrated through his actions that he believed in my son, and I fervently hope that because of these actions, my son will believe in himself.
Mr. Peterson's art program at the Diamond Ranch Academy is a site of safety and creativity, work and self expression that provided my son with that one link that he needed with "life" to continue at the Diamond Ranch Academy, and ultimately to have some success. The DRA Art Program is a testament of the value and the importance of art as a medium to touch the soul of a boy who closed off other media. Mr. Rod Peterson is a testament of the value of a caring professional who knows how to reach those individuals who may feel abandoned and alone. He is an example of all that is good in the beauty and wisdom of art."
Grant S.
"Before we decided on Diamond Ranch Academy (DRA), we were desperate parents. Our son was on a downward spiral, and we had to make a quick decision. We took a leap of faith, and decided on DRA having only spoken with staff. It was difficult, but we are certainly thankful for our conversation with Dan, and the ultimate decision we made to send him to the school.
We cannot say enough about our teen's experience at DRA. From the transport to the campus, to the graduation celebration 11 months later, the experience was beyond what we had expected. While there are many, many aspects of DRA that are worthy of discussion, the one aspect of the Academy that underlies all the others is the quality of the staff. The moment our son entered DRA he was greeted by and thereafter interacted daily with individuals who were one-hundred percent committed to his success. The therapeutic experience at DRA is second to none. But, equally important is the availability of extracurricular activities in which the students are encouraged to participate. Many teens, our son included, would have never been able to enhance their self-esteem through theater or athletics in a regular high school setting. However, DRA makes available to students a wide variety of activities that allows them to grow in strength and character. It is only up to the students to decide where and how they would want to participate. Watching our son compete in wrestling, perform a solo, and have a key role in a play, may have been the proudest moments of our lives. Doing that was only brought about through the dedicated work of the staff in building his self-esteem and his confidence. For that we will be ever grateful.
For those considering a therapeutic boarding school for their teen, we would highly recommend Diamond Ranch Academy. We believe in the program, and more importantly, we believe in the staff. They are second to none."
David K. - Purcellville, Virginia
"We are beyond pleased with Diamond Ranch Academy and I have to believe this is one of the finest facilities we could have chosen to help our son. In the midst of our living hell dealing with our son's extreme behavioral and substance abuse issues, we had very little time to research places that could provide the proper rehabilitation and resources needed to save our son's life. We found DRA online and dug up all the information and feedback we could find from people that had dealt with the organization. We contacted this academy and several others and DRA responded immediately and remained in close contact over the coming days.
Three days later we took our son to Utah for a tour of the facility and were blown away at how incredible their campus is. Beyond their amazing rehab and therapy programs, the academy offers endless opportunity for its students to become involved in activities that will help them grow and strengthen character during the recovery process. In addition to traditional academics, DRA offers fantastic programs ranging from art, drama, football, basketball, baseball, weight training and more. They even have a skate park and a barn with horses and goats.
Our son has been at Diamond Ranch since early June and we've seen such a tremendous young man emerge that I have nothing but praise for this school and the job they do. We still have a road ahead of us but I got to see my real son just a couple of weeks ago for a visit, and that young man I got to spend time with has been missing for the last couple of years. I also have to give my son credit for his attitude about being there and his commitment to engaging in the programs and taking advantage of all they have to offer him with such a positive approach. I imagine many kids remain stubborn and rebellious throughout and may not reap the full benefit of this phenomenal program.
But as for us, we thank God every day that we found Diamond Ranch Academy."
Randy S. - La Jolla, California
"Amazingly well rounded program... Support for students and family! The DRA family helped support us through the most difficult situation of our lives. Our son is thriving, catching up on school he never 'cared' about, working with animals, and learning relationship skills.
One word of advice.... If you send your child here: invest and trust the staff and program. It is paramount to your child's success."
C.B - Long Beach, California
"This summer our son graduated from Diamond Ranch Academy, has earned his Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Rank, was named to the Utah State High School Baseball All-State Honorable Mention Squad, and will be starting college with a baseball scholarship...all of these seemed like lost dreams two years ago.
Due to injury and lack of faith in himself, our son was going downhill fast two years ago. He wasn't into drugs or alcohol, but was giving up on himself and his dreams. We struggled with what to do, and at first enrolled him in a well known military school. That helped marginally (at best) for a little while, but then he just plain refused to do any classes, training, etc. We had looked at Diamond Ranch when we made the decision to send him to military school, and decided Diamond Ranch was too expensive. (Looking back, Diamond Ranch Academy was well worth every dime!)
We called Diamond Ranch, explained the situation our family was in, and they welcomed us with open arms. Our son thought DRA was incredible (especially compared to military school) and although there were rough patches, he started to take responsibility for himself and his studies. Through the counseling, athletics and academics, he found success and learned much about himself and our family.
The counselors were very patient, and are very good at seeing the diamond in the rough. The are supportive, yet firm. The staff helped him on his journey as a Boy Scout, when he decided he wanted to pursue the Rank of Eagle. His love for baseball was rekindled, and his team ended up in the State Tournament! His academics soared (his sophomore year (before DRA) he had a 1.86 GPA, his junior year he had a 3.23, his senior year was 3.59).
He applied to college, was accepted and earned a baseball scholarship! None of this would have ever happened without the dogged determination of the staff at Diamond Ranch Academy. They refused to let him give up on himself. Our daughter (5 years younger) even said she would like to go there, if it wasn't so far from home.
The campus facilities, the staff, the Dias family, and the beautiful setting all combine to make it a great place for a new start. We put our trust in DRA and it was rewarded tenfold....but you have to trust them and the program. You can't cut corners.
Diamond Ranch Academy gave us our son back and gave our son his family and dreams back. We will be eternally grateful."
Mark P. - Dillon, Colorado
"I was have a lot of problems with my 14 year old daughter and I brought her to Diamond Ranch academy. We initially looked up reviews online and were concerned bout a lot of bad reviews we saw, but we still decided to go for a visit. When we got there, we met the staff and our fears quickly disappeared. The staff is very professional, thoughtful, and patient in listening to our problems and issues we were having at home. Our daughter opened up and started admitting she had a problem with her behavior within 30 minutes of speaking with the DRA counselor. I would highly recommend DRA as a solution for your troubled youth. I think it is an excellent program and fully recommend it."
Jason T. - Las Vegas, Nevada
We are happy with his progress!
"My 15 year old son has been going to Diamond Ranch Academy for 5 months now. My husband and I both think this is the one of the greatest decisions we've ever made in our lives! My son LOVES being there and has learned so much since he started. He has become way more social and comfortable with other kids and every one else as well.
Each day of the week they plan an activity for the kids to learn from, or just to simply have fun with. The activities are amazing, My son especially loves art classes.The facility itself is very clean and secure,
As parents, we love seeing a smile on our son's face when he is dropped off and picked up.It tells me that he is comfortable at school and having a great time there. We feel very lucky to have found Diamond Ranch Academy, and happily recommend it to parents who have children who may need emotional healing to develop their self esteem.. It is really a wonderful, caring place."
Poppy B.