If you are concerned about your teen and his behavioral issues, you may want to consider a full-time solution like a residential treatment center or therapeutic boarding school for troubled teenage boys. Liahona Academy is an ideal facility for teens dealing with issues like depression, substance abuse, anxiety, trauma, self-harm or other mental or behavioral challenges. Although military schools and teen help programs are often the first thing that parents consider when they are looking for help getting their child to follow rules and be respectful. Unfortunately, military schools do not address the emotional needs of their students, focusing instead on unquestioning obedience through strict tactics that may be damaging to a teen who is struggling to identify his triggers and challenges. Military schools in Oklahoma generally accept students who are academically motivated and interested in leadership, rather than those with significant behavioral or emotional challenges. These schools offer structured courses designed to promote discipline, academic achievement, and leadership. Parents throughout the country, including Oklahoma, have come to us to provide a safe, effective and caring environment for many years.
It is important to note that military schools in Oklahoma are not typically designed for troubled teenagers, but rather for students who are academically gifted and seeking a challenging environment.
- Substance abuse: Approximately 32% of Oklahoma teens abuse alcohol while 14% of teens report binge drinking. Marijuana use occurs with 33% of Oklahoma teens while 4% abuse other illegal drugs. (Center for Disease Control, 2017 Oklahoma Report.)https://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/facts-and-stats/national-and-state-data-sheets/adolescents-and-substance-abuse/oklahoma/index.html
- Suicide: Oklahoma ranks 8th in the nation for suicide. (CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control)https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/population-health/us-states-ranked-by-suicide-rate.html
- ADHD: About 9.9% of Oklahoma children are diagnosed each year with ADD/ADHD. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011 report)https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/prevalence.html
- Arrest Rates: In 2018, there were 64 arrests for aggravated assault, 22 arrests for robbery, 393 arrests for larceny, 274 arrests for drug abuse and 35 arrests for weapons charges. (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 2018). https://www.ojjdp.gov/ojstatbb/crime/qa05103.asp?qaDate=2018
- Teen pregnancy: In 2016, there were 4,299 live babies born to women under 20, ranking Oklahoma 2nd in the nation for teen pregnancy. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016 Study). https://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/facts-and-stats/national-and-state-data-sheets/adolescent-reproductive-health/oklahoma/index.html
- Graduation rates: Oklahoma has a 82.5% high school graduation rate. (U.S. Department of Education, Graduation Rates 2014-2015)https://www.governing.com/gov-data/high-school-graduation-rates-by-state.html
We invite you to call us today to talk to one of our experienced and caring staff members about enrollment options. We are anxious to help you find the solution that is best for your family.
Why Should You Consider Liahona Academy Instead of A Military School For Help With Your Troubled Teen Son?
With the numerous teen help facilities available, it can be hard to know whether you are picking the right one. While it is important to know that not all of them are created equal, mainly because each state has its own rules and regulations that govern such facilities, there are many that may work for your son. The key is to focus on his greatest challenges and needs and select a facility that specializes in those things. For instance, at Liahona Academy, we offer many of the same strengths parents seek in military schools for troubled teens in Alabama without sacrificing therapeutic care and emotional support:
- Challenging surroundings where teens are able to reinvent themselves with a clean slate, similar to what families exploring military schools in California for troubled teens often hope to find. Each boy has the opportunity to leave behind old triggers and negative associations while he works on making positive and permanent changes.
- Full-time therapy programs offer parents and teens the opportunity to get some temporary distance in order to focus on making the changes they need to rebuild their relationship, which is why so many families comparing military schools in Idaho for troubled teens ultimately look for deeper therapeutic care.
- Respite while your son resides in an environment surrounded by professionals dedicated to helping him turn his life around and communicate more effectively, a level of individualized support that parents researching military schools in Kansas for troubled teens are often seeking.
- A fully accredited educational program where teens can get the extra help they need to repair old grades and/or earn new credits. In contrast, military schools emphasize developing responsibilities and leadership roles as students progress through their program, which is why our academic focus appeals to families exploring military schools in New Jersey for troubled teens.
- Individualized treatment plans for each teen based on a thorough assessment after they arrive. As they work their way through the program, they will work one-on-one with experienced counselors and licensed therapists to update the program as they go, offering a depth of care not typically found in military schools in Tennessee for troubled teens.
- We offer experiential therapy options that give teens hands-on experiences, in addition to the traditional talk therapy. We believe a full range of healthy opportunities is essential to healing and is a key difference from many military schools in Texas for troubled teens.
Military schools provide a structured environment that helps students develop strong study habits and organizational skills, but this focus may not address the therapeutic needs of troubled teens, which is why parents comparing military schools in Washington for troubled teens often turn to therapeutic programs instead.
Can A Military School Give Your Son The Fresh Start and Healing They Need?
Thousands of parents throughout the country, who have started their search with a military school in Oklahoma, have ultimately chosen to trust their sons to Liahona Academy. Liahona Academy is equipped to present a program of therapy, healthy work and play and academics necessary to help troubled boys heal and improve. Boys attending Liahona Academy get one-on-one attention from experienced counselors and therapists as they work on overcoming their challenges and making healthier choices.
Military schools in Oklahoma generally accept students who meet specific academic and behavioral criteria, and applicants must be at least fourteen years old to qualify for admission. The application process typically includes registering as a parent or guardian, completing an online application, and scheduling an orientation and interview.
We invite you to watch this brief video explaining how Liahona Academy can give your son a greater chance for success than those you might find in Oklahoma. We know that the situation you are in is emotional and overwhelming. We are here to help you get through it.
Clearly, Liahona Academy is devoted to the long-term health and happiness of every boy who walks through our doors. Please call us today at (800) 675-8101 for a consultation to discuss your son’s needs and explore the program in more detail and see if it would be a good fit with your son. For 20 years, we have been helping parents looking for military schools in Oklahoma find a more effective therapy solution for their teen. Parents can find detailed information about military schools and their programs on each school's official website. No matter where you live, we are confident that we can help you as well.
Community Service and Outreach in Oklahoma Military Schools
Community service and outreach have long been cornerstones of military education in Oklahoma, shaping generations of students into responsible leaders and engaged citizens. The Oklahoma Military Academy (OMA), founded in 1919, set a strong precedent by weaving community involvement into its core curriculum. Through its junior ROTC program and rigorous military training, OMA encouraged young men to develop leadership skills, discipline, and physical fitness, all while fostering a deep sense of civic duty.
OMA cadets were frequently at the forefront of community service initiatives, volunteering for local projects, participating in charity events, and representing the academy at public gatherings. The academy’s bugle corps and drill team became familiar sights at city parades and ceremonies, strengthening ties between the school and the broader Oklahoma community. The introduction of evening classes in 1957 allowed day students to join these outreach efforts, further expanding the academy’s positive impact.
When Rogers State College—now Rogers State University—took over the OMA campus, it continued this proud tradition. The university’s commitment to leadership development, physical training, and military training has empowered Oklahoma students to become active contributors to their communities. With ongoing support from the Oklahoma legislature, Rogers State University has maintained a strong focus on service, ensuring that leadership and outreach remain central to its mission.
The Thunderbird Challenge Program, a modern residential military academy, carries forward the OMA legacy by requiring cadets to complete at least 40 hours of volunteer community service. This program not only emphasizes physical fitness and leadership development but also instills a lifelong commitment to giving back. Through hands-on service, cadets gain confidence, compassion, and a sense of responsibility that extends far beyond the classroom.
In Oklahoma City, the state’s largest city, military schools have played a vital role in promoting community engagement. Students regularly participate in volunteer work, charity drives, and leadership programs, often partnering with local organizations to address real-world challenges. These experiences help students apply their military training and leadership skills in meaningful ways, preparing them to become the next generation of Oklahoma’s leaders.
The history of Oklahoma military schools, from the OMA’s ROTC cavalry unit to the present-day programs at Rogers State University and the Thunderbird Challenge, demonstrates a lasting commitment to service. Graduates have gone on to serve their country with distinction in World War II, the Vietnam War, and beyond, embodying the values of leadership, discipline, and civic responsibility instilled by their alma maters.
As Oklahoma’s population grows and the need for engaged, service-minded leaders increases, military schools across the state continue to prioritize community service and outreach. By offering students opportunities to lead, serve, and grow, these institutions are helping to shape a brighter future for Oklahoma and the nation.
We Have Supported Families Throughout Oklahoma Cities, Including:
Tulsa, Edmond, Broken Arrow, Lawton, Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Norman, Moore, Bartlesville, Duncan, Ardmore, Owasso, Yukon, Bixby, Del City, Ponca City, Sapulpa, Claremore, Mustang, Sand Springs, Altus, Jenks, McAlester, El Reno, Miami, Chickasha, Okmulgee, Ada, Talequah.
