Chrysalis School Montana

Chrysalis School Montana began more than a decade ago as a small home-based therapeutic program in Eureka Montana.

Back in 1998, Chrysalis began with a class of eight teenage girls, founder and co-director Kenny Pannell said.

Pannell has a background in community mental health. Sensing a great need, he decided to start the school as an alternative to publicly funded therapeutic care.

"The impetus was to create a level of care that truly took care of kids in a more developed way," Pannell said.
 
Chrysalis School Eureka Montana continued to grow over time as more families took advantage of the therapeutic boarding school. After a couple of years, the program expanded to 10 girls, and over time Chrysalis has grown to a capacity of 36 girls ages 13-18.

Students at Chryalis face challenges such as different kinds of trauma, learning challenges, depression and/or anxiety, adoption issues, eating/body image issues or a sense of entitlement.

Staff at Chrysalis includes the co-directors, teachers, case managers, clinicians, house parents, program staff, adventure staff and business administrative staff. Each student undergoes an individualized program geared to help them progress academically, emotionally and socially at their own rate -- building their self-esteem while helping them learn to build healthy relationships.

Located just a handful of miles from the Canadian border, Chrysalis sits on 65 acres between Koocanusa Reservoir and Carpenter Lake. The therapeutic boarding school is provisionally licensed and registered with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry as a Private Alternative Adolescent Residential Program. Chrysalis is also accredited by the National Independent Private Schools Association.

A student's length of stay at Chrysalis Eureka Montana depends upon their individual needs (typically between 18 and 24 months). Most Chrysalis graduates adopt health lifestyles and go on to college.

Chrysalis Academics

Academics at Chrysalis School are designed to help teenage girls who have struggled in traditional academic settings such as public schools.

We employ state-certified high school teachers, as well as several tutors. Students study subjects such as English, history and mathematics, and they're also expected to get active in extracurricular activities such as athletics, music and service projects.

Thirty-six students started the fall semester here in Eureka, Montana. The Chrysalis experience is meant to prepare girls for the rigors of college academics. Students at Chrysalis learn skills like time management and teamwork.

Fall Semester begins today

Today marks the start of the fall semester here at Chrysalis School. We're excited to have the girls starting their year of academics, therapy and activities here after a summer filled with Chrysalis activities.

We've got our full capacity of 36 students this year. Stay tuned to this blog for updates throughout the school year.

Two, One, Zero...

The fall semester starts Tuesday at Chrysalis School. We're excited to have the girls back here in Eureka, Montana!

Many of the Chrysalis students have participated in summer adventure activities like biking, horseback riding, hiking and service projects. We're proud of the tradition of community service here at Chrysalis; we'll strive to continue that legacy of teaching our students how to give back to others.

Check this blog often for updates about the new school year.

One Week and Counting...

Sports practices are starting up here at Chrysalis as we approach the start of school. We'll have a full capacity of 36 students when we start the fall semester next Tuesday.

Students recently participated in an adventure weekend that involved hiking, as well as swimming and other water activities.

Fall Semester is Fast Approaching

The fall semester here at Chrysalis begins on August 30.

Thirty-six teenage girls will attend the therapeutic boarding school in Eureka, Montana; that represents the full capacity of the school.

Students will live family style in one of three homes and have the opportunity to take part in adventure travel and service projects. A typical stay at Chrysalis is 18 to 24 months.

Making a Difference in Eureka, Montana

For more than a decade, Chrysalis School has helped girls overcome their personal challenges. This therapeutic boarding school now hosts students from across the United States, with about half coming from the Western half of the country.

Chrysalis is based in Eureka, just five miles from the Canadian border. The 65-acre school originally began as a home-based program with about eight girls. Today the school has a capacity of 36 students, according to founder and co-director Kenny Pannell.

Staff at Chrysalis includes the co-directors, teachers, case managers, clinicians, adventure staff, house parents and business office personnel.

Classes at Chrysalis include English, mathematics, foreign languages, art, physical education and music. Another emphasis is physical fitness, with the girls taking part in activities like tennis and soccer. The students also take part in adventure activities like horseback riding and mountain biking.

Each year, the girls can participate in an optional international trip. Past trips have been to countries including Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, France, England, Costa Rica, and Vietnam.