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{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Infobox school| name = West Ridge Academy
{{coord|40.584239|-112.019367|display=title}}
| image = WestRidgeAcademy.PNG
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2012}}
| imagesize = 150 px
{{Unreliable sources|date=May 2011}}
⚫ | caption =

| location = ], ]
{{Infobox school
| coordinates =
| district = | name = West Ridge Academy
| authority = | image = WestRidgeAcademy.PNG
| denomination = Mormon{{fact}} | imagesize = 150 px
| affiliation = | caption =
| trustee = | location = ], USA
| founder = | address = 5500 W Bagley Park Rd
| president = | city =
| head of school = | county =
| chaplain = | state =
| director = Kenneth R. Allen | coordinates =
| faculty = | district =
| school code = | us_nces_district_id = 21
| avg_class_size = | authority =
| ratio = | denomination = nondenominational
| SAT = | affiliation =
| ACT = | trustee =
| schooltype = private | founder =
| us_nces_school_id = {{NCES School ID|A1904497|school_name=West Ridge Academy|access_date=18 February 2018|ref_name=NCES}}
⚫ | tuition =
| revenue = | president =
| endowment = | head of school =
| grades = | chaplain =
| director = Kenneth R. Allen
⚫ | age range = 9 - 17<ref>{{cite web| title = Admissions | work = West Ridge Academy web site | url = http://westridgeacademy.com/categories/66/Default.aspx}}</ref>
| classrooms = | faculty =
| campus = | teaching_staff = 10.0{{FTE}}<ref name="NCES" />
| campus size = | school code =
| campus type = | grade9 = 13
| conference = | grade10 = 8
| slogan = | grade11 = 10
| song = | grade12 = 5
| fightsong = | avg_class_size =
| motto = | ratio = 5.3<ref name="NCES" />
| accreditation = | SAT =
| mascot = | ACT =
| sports = | schooltype = private
| patron = | tuition =
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⚫ | age range = 9 – 18<ref>{{cite web| title = Admissions | work = West Ridge Academy web site | url = http://westridgeacademy.com/Admissions |access-date= February 12, 2016}}</ref>
⚫ | established =
| students = | hours_in_day = 6.5
| alumni = | classrooms =
⚫ | campus =
| enrollment = 150<ref>{{cite web| last =Ball| first =Fred | title =Fred Ball Speaking on Business | work =KSL Radio Small Business Resource Center | publisher =] | date = October 3, 2007 | url = http://smallbiz.ksl.com/speak-14010i.php| accessdate = June 13, 2009}}</ref>
| homepage = http://westridgeacademy.com/ | campus size =
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| accreditation =
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| colors =
⚫ | established =
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| enrollment = 53<ref name="NCES" />
| grade5 = 4
| grade6 = 6
| grade7 = 4
| grade8 = 3
| homepage = http://westridgeacademy.com/
}} }}


'''West Ridge Academy''' (known as the '''Utah Boys Ranch''' until 2005{{fact}}), is a controversial youth ] (classified as a "therapeutic school" according to Utah statutes{{fact}}) based in ], ]. In early 2005, it opened new, separate facilities for girls and changed its name to West Ridge Academy.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.strugglingteens.com/artman/publish/article_5382.shtml | title = Strugglingteens.com review of West Ridge Academy}}</ref>It is a non-profit ] corporation under the name Children and Youth Services, Inc. The academy states that it provides "quality clinical services, education, and experiences which promote spiritual awareness, personal accountability and change of heart."<ref>{{cite web| title = Home page | work = West Ridge Academy web site | url = http://westridgeacademy.com/}}</ref> '''West Ridge Academy''' (known as the '''Utah Boys Ranch''' until 2005), is a youth ] based in ], USA. It seeks to provide clinical services, education, and other programs for teens, both girls and boys, that are identified as at-risk. {{Citation needed|reason=Identified by who?|date=March 2014}} Until 2005, the Utah Boys Ranch was male-only. In early 2005, it opened new, separate facilities for girls and changed its name to West Ridge Academy.<ref name=strugglingteens5382>{{citation | url = http://www.strugglingteens.com/artman/publish/article_5382.shtml | work=Woodbury Reports | publisher = Strugglingteens.com |author=Kristie Campbell | title=Visit Reports: West Ridge Academy | date=September 22, 2006}}, included in , pages 13–16</ref> It is a non-profit ] corporation under the name Children and Youth Services, Inc. The academy states that it provides "quality clinical services, education, and experiences which promote spiritual awareness, personal accountability and change of heart."<ref>{{cite web| title = Home page | work = West Ridge Academy web site | url = http://westridgeacademy.com/}}</ref> The facility has received criticism for past abusive practices toward residents, including facing lawsuits in 2008, 2010, and 2012 by former students.<ref>{{cite web|last1=J.|first1=Daniel|last2=Keefe|first2=Stephen|title=My Parents Had Me Abducted and Sent to a Mormon Treatment Center|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/bn5md4/my-parents-had-me-abducted-and-sent-to-a-mormon-treatment-centre|website=Vice|access-date=15 October 2017|language=en-us|date=19 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="suit1"/><ref name="suit2"/><ref name="suit3"/> In 2016, the application to transition West Ridge Academy into a ], named Eagle Summit Academy, was approved by the Utah Board of Education after including caveats to keep public and private funding separate in the school's budgets and to ensure the safety of the new charter school's students.<ref name="sltribMar2"/>


West Ridge also provides a day program called Sunshine Solutions for underprivileged local kids, age five and up which provides "summer activities, positive mentors and emotional growth to help them learn how to make good decisions".<ref name=strugglingteens5382/> The school is Christian but non-denominational, with the majority of students belonging to ] (LDS Church).<ref name=visitingteam>{{cite web|title=The Report of the Accreditation Visiting Team: West Ridge Academy|url=http://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/accred/reports/TeamReports/WestRidgeAcad.pdf|publisher=Utah State Office of Education|access-date=May 7, 2011|page=3}}</ref><ref name="sltribFeb"/>
==Stated purpose and governance==
⚫ Currently the stated purpose of the West Ridge Academy is "to offer hope and healing to families" by establishing "new coping skills and moral and spiritual values that will propel them into a more functional and peaceful way of life."<ref>{{cite web | work = West Ridge Academy web site| url = http://westridgeacademy.com/categories/67/Default.aspx | title = West Ridge Academy program description | accessdate = 6/9/2009}}</ref> The ] is composed of prominent Utah residents including ] religion instructor Sally Wyne, ] and ]<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2007/870/265/2007-870265761-049ca236-9.pdf | title = West Ridge Academy 2007 tax form 990 | page = 20}}</ref>, and past board members included Utah Senator Delpha Baird, West Jordan city Judge Ronald Kunz, and police chief Ken McGuire.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20000411103942/utahboysranch.org/board.htm | work = Web Archive of Utah Boys Ranch website | accessdate = 6/9/2009 | title = Board of Trustees}}</ref> The current executive director is Kenneth R. Allen, who is also director of Proficio Management, a for-profit management company owned by the academy.<ref>{{cite web| title = Home page | work = Proficio Management web site | url = http://www.proficiomgt.com/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2007/870/265/2007-870265761-049ca236-9.pdf | title = West Ridge Academy 2007 tax form 990 | page = 8}}</ref><ref>{{citation | title = West Ridge Academy Staff | work = West Ridge Academy | url = http://westridgeacademy.com/pages/299/default.aspx | accessdate = 6/9/2009}}</ref> Since their founding, they state they have helped over 25,000 teens.<ref>{{cite web| work = West Ridge Academy web site | url = http://westridgeacademy.com | title = West Ridge Academy web site home page | accessdate = 6/9/2009}}</ref> West Ridge is licensed by the ].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r501/r501-15.htm | title = UT Admin Code R501-15. Therapeutic Schools | accessdate = 6/9/2009}}</ref>. <ref>{{cite web | title = Utah Department of Human Services licensure records for West Ridge Academy | url = http://www.hslic.utah.gov/db_results.asp?corp_name=West+Ridge+Academy&service=%25&SS=%25&county=%25&Submit=Search | accessdate = 6/9/2009}}</ref>


==History and controversy== ==Leadership and governance==
⚫ The board of directors is composed of prominent Utah residents including ],<ref name="board"/> ] religion instructor Sally Wyne, and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2007/870/265/2007-870265761-049ca236-9.pdf|title=West Ridge Academy 2007 tax form 990|page =20}}</ref> Past board members included Utah Senator ], West Jordan city Judge Ronald Kunz, and police chief Ken McGuire.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://utahboysranch.org/board.htm | work = Utah Boys Ranch website | access-date = June 9, 2009 | title = Board of Trustees | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20000411103942/http://utahboysranch.org/board.htm | archive-date = April 11, 2000}}</ref> Stan and ], and ] serve on an ].<ref name="board">{{cite web|title=Board of Directors|url=http://westridgeacademy.com/board-of-directors.aspx|work=West Ridge Academy website|access-date=May 4, 2011}}</ref> The current executive director is Kenneth R. Allen, who is also director of Proficio Management, a management company owned by the academy.<ref>{{cite web| title = Home page | work = Proficio Management web site | url = http://www.proficiomgt.com/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2007/870/265/2007-870265761-049ca236-9.pdf | title = West Ridge Academy 2007 tax form 990 | page = 8}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | title = West Ridge Academy Staff | work = West Ridge Academy | url = http://westridgeacademy.com/pages/299/default.aspx | access-date = June 9, 2009}}</ref> Since their founding, over 25,000 teens have attended the institution.<ref>{{cite web| work = West Ridge Academy web site | url = http://westridgeacademy.com | title = West Ridge Academy web site home page | access-date = June 9, 2009}}</ref> West Ridge is licensed by the ].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r501/r501-15.htm | title = UT Admin Code R501-15. Therapeutic Schools | access-date = June 9, 2009}}</ref> The license of West Ridge Academy is reviewed annually and the organization receives periodic visits from a licensing specialist to monitor and provide technical assistance and to insure compliance with Core and Categorical Rules of Treatment.<ref>{{cite web | title = Utah Department of Human Services licensure records for West Ridge Academy | url = http://www.hslic.utah.gov/db_results.asp?corp_name=West+Ridge+Academy&service=%25&SS=%25&county=%25&Submit=Search | access-date = June 9, 2009}}</ref>
⚫ ]

The Utah Boys Ranch was founded by ] and a group of his associates in 1964.<ref>{{cite book | last = Bradford | first = Mary Lythgoe | title = Lowell L. Bennion: Teacher, Counselor, Humanitarian | publisher = Dialogue Foundation | date = 1995 | pages = 214-215 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=34wagn75d-oC&printsec=frontcover | isbn = 1560850817 }}</ref> Later, leadership changed hands and Utah State Senator ] became the executive director and remained so for more than fifteen years before retiring amid controversy.
==History==
⚫ ]
The Utah Boys Ranch was founded by William L. Hutchinson, ] and a group of primarily Salt Lake County educators in 1964.<ref>{{cite news | last = Orden | first = Del Van | title = Boys Ranch In Kearns Nears Reality | publisher = ] | date = March 4, 1964 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=U0EOAAAAIBAJ&pg=7023%2C524888}}</ref><ref name="bradford">{{cite book | last = Bradford | first = Mary Lythgoe | title = Lowell L. Bennion: Teacher, Counselor, Humanitarian | publisher = Dialogue Foundation | year = 1995 | pages = 214–215 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=34wagn75d-oC | isbn = 1-56085-081-7 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Collins|first=Lois M.|title=Boys Ranch to dedicate spiritual center Thursday|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/400132/BOYS-RANCH-TO-DEDICATE-SPIRITUAL-CENTER-THURSDAY.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023034655/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/400132/BOYS-RANCH-TO-DEDICATE-SPIRITUAL-CENTER-THURSDAY.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 23, 2012|access-date=May 4, 2011|newspaper=]|date=January 22, 1995}}</ref> The group originally purchased five acres on which to build the Ranch. Bennion had twice during this initial period requested funding from LDS Church to support the Ranch, but in both instances the LDS Church refused. Soon after the second request, ], then ] of the LDS Church, donated $10,000 to support the Utah Boys Ranch.<ref name="bradford"/> Later, leadership changed hands and Utah State Senator ] became the executive director and remained so for more than fifteen years before retiring amid controversy.
<ref> <ref>
{{Cite book
{{citation
| title = Illegal Goings On at the Utah Boys Ranch? | title = Illegal Goings On at the Utah Boys Ranch?
| publisher = Associated Press |agency=Associated Press
⚫ | date = September 27, 2004 | url = http://www.isaccorp.org/documents/utah-boys-ranch.09.27.04.html
| year = 2004 | month = September | day = 27
⚫ | url = http://www.isaccorp.org/documents/utah-boys-ranch.09.27.04.html
}}</ref> }}</ref>


In late 2015, an application was submitted Utah's Charter School Board. The Charter School Board approved the application and transition in January 2016, but the state's Board of Education reversed the decision the following month, denying the application without prejudice, amid allegations of abuse and financial insolvency.<ref name="sltribFeb">{{cite news |last=Wood |first=Benjamin |title=Allegations of abuse at prospective charter school splits Utah's top school boards |publisher=] |date=February 16, 2016 |url=http://www.sltrib.com/home/3531870-155/allegations-of-abuse-at-prospective-charter?fullpage=1}}</ref> The Board of Education revisited the application in March 2016 following the preparation of a 60-page report prepared by the State's Office of Education providing details on the issues raised the previous month. After including caveats to keep public and private funding separate in the school's budgets and to ensure the safety of the new charter school's students, the Board of Education approved the application.<ref name="sltribMar2">{{cite news |last=Wood |first=Benjamin |title=Utah board approves charter school tied to treatment center accused of abusing children |publisher=] |date=March 17, 2016 |url=http://www.sltrib.com/home/3680546-155/utah-board-approves-charter-school-tied}}</ref>
On May 15, 2008, Tyler Elsey, a former West Ridge Academy resident, filed a lawsuit alleging ] and ] against West Ridge Academy in Utah District court. As of August 2009, the case is active but in a new venue.<ref>{{cite web | work = Federal District Court Filings| url = http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-utdce/case_no-2:2008cv00390/case_id-66003/| title = Elsey v. West Ridge Academy case #2:2008cv00390| accessdate = 6/12/2009}}</ref>


==Sports program==
On January 2, 2009, journalist Eric Norwood, a past student of the academy, published an article alleging abuses and controversial practices at the ranch.<ref>{{cite news | last = Norwood | first = Eric | coauthors = | title = Trapped In A Mormon Gulag | publisher = Orato Media Corp. | date = ] | url = http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/1/5/8431/61882 | accessdate = 2009-02-19 }}</ref> On January 9, 2009, ] radio station ] invited Senator Buttars, West Ridge staff, and Eric Norwood on their talk show ''RadioActive!'' to discuss the article, but Buttars and West Ridge Academy declined.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/krcl/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1457176 | work = KRCL RadioActive website | title = RadioActive! Jan 9 The Mormon Gulag | author = Gena Edvalson | date = 2009-01-13 | accessdate = 6/9/2009}}</ref>
West Ridge Academy offers a comprehensive sports program, believing it to be a positive treatment for some students because it offers a chance to form a bond with their teammates. The school has been an official member of the 1A Utah High School Activities Association since 2002 with the boys' varsity athletics.{{citation needed|date=May 2011}} It fields boys' high school teams<ref>, '']''. Retrieved May 8, 2011</ref> in basketball,<ref>, '']''. Retrieved May 8, 2011</ref> baseball<ref>, '']''. Retrieved May 8, 2011</ref> and soccer.<ref>, '']''. Retrieved May 8, 2011</ref> In 2006 West Ridge Academy started a girls' athletics program{{citation needed|date=May 2011}} and has a girls' basketball team.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Go Figure|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1181460/1/index.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717012143/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1181460/1/index.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 17, 2012|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=May 15, 2012|date=February 7, 2011}}</ref>


==Litigation and controversy==
Though the Academy professes to be nondenominational, former students and staff at the academy allege there is a clear connection with ] (also known as the LDS Church), some calling it a "Mormon Gulag"<ref>Frequently cited examples of this connection with the Mormon church include the following:
West Ridge has been the subject of several lawsuits, including personal injury lawsuits in 2008 and 2010.<ref name="suit1">{{cite web | work = Federal District Court Filings| url = http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-utdce/case_no-2:2008cv00390/case_id-66003/| title = Elsey v. West Ridge Academy case #2:2008cv00390| access-date = June 12, 2009}}</ref><ref name="suit2">{{cite web | work = Federal District Court Filings| url = http://dockets.justia.com/docket/utah/utdce/2:2010cv00313/74671/| title = Doe et al v. Children and Youth Services et al case #2:2010cv00313| access-date = May 5, 2011}}</ref> On January 2, 2009, a past student of the academy, published an article alleging abuses and controversial practices at the ranch.<ref>{{cite news|last=Norwood |first=Eric |title=Trapped in a Mormon Gulag |publisher=Orato Media Corp. |date=January 2, 2009 |url=http://www.orato.com/self-help/mormon-prep-school-west-ridge-academy |access-date=2009-02-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503102910/http://www.orato.com/self-help/mormon-prep-school-west-ridge-academy |archive-date=May 3, 2009 }}</ref> On January 9, 2009, ] radio station ] invited Buttars, current West Ridge staff, and the student to the talk show ''RadioActive!'' to discuss the article, but Buttars and West Ridge staff declined the invitation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/krcl/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1457176 |work=KRCL RadioActive website |title=RadioActive! Jan 9 The Mormon Gulag |author=Gena Edvalson |date=January 13, 2009 |access-date=June 9, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605225847/http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/krcl/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1457176 |archive-date=June 5, 2011 }}</ref> On October 21, 2010, the student sued West Ridge Academy in California District court, alleging negligence, ], and sexual abuse.<ref name="suit3">{{cite web |last=Vaughn |first=Aaron |date=January 13, 2012 |title= More speak out over West Ridge Academy lawsuit, claims of abuse |url=http://fox13now.com/2012/01/13/more-speak-out-over-west-ridge-academy-lawsuit-claims-of-abuse/ |access-date=2016-02-12}}</ref>
*There are several LDS ] at the Academy.{{cite news | last = Farmer | first = Molly | title = West Ridge Academy missionaries tutor with love | work = MormonTimes | publisher = ] | date = April 15, 2009 | url = http://www.mormontimes.com/mormon_living/mission_life/?id=7284}} Ken Allen, the academy's director, has stated that the missionaries' role is pivotal in the reformation of the boys and girls who attend West Ridge Academy.{{cite news | last = Farmer | first = Molly | title = West Ridge Academy missionaries tutor with love | work = MormonTimes | publisher = ] | date = April 15, 2009 | url = http://www.mormontimes.com/mormon_living/mission_life/?id=7284}}

*Prior to 2005, while operating under the name, Utah Boys Ranch, the logo of the facility included the phrase, "Do What is Right, Let the Consequence Follow". This is also the title of an LDS hymn.{{cite web | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20000303021520/utahboysranch.org/dowhatisright.htm | work = Web Archive of Utah Boys Ranch website | accessdate = 6/9/2009 | title = "Do What Is Right...Let the Consequence Follow" Our Yearly Theme}}
Allegations of abuse from former students were one of the main reasons Utah's Board of Education initially denied the application for West Ridge Academy to become a charter school called Eagle Summit Academy.<ref name="sltribFeb"/> In response to the allegations, the State Office of Education prepared a 60-page report providing more details for the Board on the issues raised. The report identified several lawsuits against West Ridge Academy, several of which were settled out of court, but could not find any corroborating evidence to support the allegations of abuse.<ref name="sltribMar1">{{cite news |last=Wood |first=Benjamin |title=West Ridge Academy challenges accusations of abuse at state school board meeting |publisher=] |date=March 17, 2016 |url=http://www.sltrib.com/home/3677839-155/west-ridge-academy-challenges-accusations-of?fullpage=1}}</ref><ref name="sltribMar2"/> The report was also critical of school's proposed financial structure.
*Senator Chris Buttars insinuated that the facility promotes and teaches religious principles and operates beyond government oversight.{{cite web | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20000411154008/utahboysranch.org/director.htm | work = Web Archive of Utah Boys Ranch website | accessdate = 6/9/2009 | title = A Message From Our Director}}

*There are several LDS employees working at West Ridge Academy in addition to LDS missionaries.
In 2020, West Ridge Academy was under investigation after a teen girl from Bermuda died by suicide there.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Jessica |title=A Utah facility for 'troubled teens' won't be disciplined after a girl from Bermuda died |url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/2020/06/18/utah-facility-troubled/ |access-date=12 May 2021 |publisher=Salt Lake Tribute |date=18 June 2020}}</ref>
*Some former residents claim that they were forced to read from ].{{cite news | last = Norwood | first = Eric | coauthors = | title = Trapped In A Mormon Gulag | publisher = Orato Media Corp. | date = ] | url = http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/1/5/8431/61882 | accessdate = 2009-02-19 }}</ref>. Kenneth R. Allen, the academy's director, said the (Latter-Day Saint) missionaries role is pivotal in the reformation of the boys and girls who attend West Ridge Academy.

In 2021, an employee was charged with child abuse after breaking a child's wrist who was allegedly verbally acting out in class and being defiant.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Reavy |first1=Pat |title=Employee at Utah school for troubled teens charged with child abuse |url=https://www.ksl.com/article/50164274/employee-at-utah-school-for-troubled-teens-charged-with-child-abuse |access-date=12 May 2021 |publisher=ksl.com |date=12 May 2021}}</ref>

==Relationship with LDS Church==
The academy is ] and open to all regardless of religious affiliation,<ref name=strugglingteens5382/><ref name="visitingteam"/> but has had a number of connections with the LDS Church throughout the academy's history. The academy was established in 1964 with the assistance of a $10,000 donation from David O. McKay, then president of the LDS Church.<ref name="bradford"/> There are several elderly couples called as LDS service ] at the academy. The service missionaries provide spiritual tutoring but do not proselytize, using the ] and the ] with LDS teens and only the Bible when interacting with teens of other faiths at the academy. Ken Allen, the academy's director, has stated that the missionaries' role is pivotal in the reformation of the boys and girls who attend West Ridge Academy.<ref>{{cite news | last = Farmer | first = Molly | title = Missionaries bring love into lives at West Ridge Academy | work = MormonTimes | publisher = ] | date = April 15, 2009 | url = http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705297623/Missionaries-bring-love-into-lives-at-West-Ridge-Academy.html?pg=all | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160215233617/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705297623/Missionaries-bring-love-into-lives-at-West-Ridge-Academy.html?pg=all | url-status = dead | archive-date = February 15, 2016 |access-date=2016-02-12}}</ref> Prior to 2005, while operating under the name, Utah Boys Ranch, the logo of the facility included the phrase, "Do What is Right, Let the Consequence Follow", taken from an LDS hymn.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://utahboysranch.org/dowhatisright.htm | work = Utah Boys Ranch website | access-date = June 9, 2009 | title = "Do What Is Right...Let the Consequence Follow" Our Yearly Theme | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20000303021520/http://utahboysranch.org/dowhatisright.htm | archive-date = March 3, 2000}}</ref> ], when he was the ] of the LDS Church, said that the LDS Church "has been and continues to be a long-time supporter" of West Ridge Academy.<ref>{{cite news | last = Mcallister | first = Nelda | title = Alex Boye performs at West Ridge Academy gala
| work = MormonTimes | publisher = ] | date = April 14, 2011 | url = http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705370782/Alex-Boye-performs-at-West-Ridge-Academy-gala.html| archive-url = https://archive.today/20130121103507/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705370782/Alex-Boye-performs-at-West-Ridge-Academy-gala.html| url-status = dead| archive-date = January 21, 2013}}</ref>


==References== ==References==
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==External links== ==External links==
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Latest revision as of 00:57, 8 November 2024

40°35′03″N 112°01′10″W / 40.584239°N 112.019367°W / 40.584239; -112.019367

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Private school
West Ridge Academy
Address
5500 W Bagley Park Rd
West Jordan, Utah, USA
Information
School typeprivate
Denominationnondenominational
NCES District ID21
NCES School IDA1904497
DirectorKenneth R. Allen
Teaching staff10.0(on an FTE basis)
Age range9 – 18
Enrollment53
 • Grade 54
 • Grade 66
 • Grade 74
 • Grade 83
 • Grade 913
 • Grade 108
 • Grade 1110
 • Grade 125
Student to teacher ratio5.3
Hours in school day6.5
Websitehttp://westridgeacademy.com/

West Ridge Academy (known as the Utah Boys Ranch until 2005), is a youth residential treatment center based in West Jordan, Utah, USA. It seeks to provide clinical services, education, and other programs for teens, both girls and boys, that are identified as at-risk. Until 2005, the Utah Boys Ranch was male-only. In early 2005, it opened new, separate facilities for girls and changed its name to West Ridge Academy. It is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation under the name Children and Youth Services, Inc. The academy states that it provides "quality clinical services, education, and experiences which promote spiritual awareness, personal accountability and change of heart." The facility has received criticism for past abusive practices toward residents, including facing lawsuits in 2008, 2010, and 2012 by former students. In 2016, the application to transition West Ridge Academy into a charter school, named Eagle Summit Academy, was approved by the Utah Board of Education after including caveats to keep public and private funding separate in the school's budgets and to ensure the safety of the new charter school's students.

West Ridge also provides a day program called Sunshine Solutions for underprivileged local kids, age five and up which provides "summer activities, positive mentors and emotional growth to help them learn how to make good decisions". The school is Christian but non-denominational, with the majority of students belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).

Leadership and governance

The board of directors is composed of prominent Utah residents including Shawn Bradley, BYU religion instructor Sally Wyne, and LaVar Christensen. Past board members included Utah Senator Delpha Baird, West Jordan city Judge Ronald Kunz, and police chief Ken McGuire. Stan and Mary Ellen Smoot, and Richard and Linda J. Eyre serve on an advisory board. The current executive director is Kenneth R. Allen, who is also director of Proficio Management, a management company owned by the academy. Since their founding, over 25,000 teens have attended the institution. West Ridge is licensed by the Utah Department of Human Services. The license of West Ridge Academy is reviewed annually and the organization receives periodic visits from a licensing specialist to monitor and provide technical assistance and to insure compliance with Core and Categorical Rules of Treatment.

History

Utah Boys Ranch navigation sign prior to renaming of the facility to West Ridge Academy in 2005

The Utah Boys Ranch was founded by William L. Hutchinson, Lowell L. Bennion and a group of primarily Salt Lake County educators in 1964. The group originally purchased five acres on which to build the Ranch. Bennion had twice during this initial period requested funding from LDS Church to support the Ranch, but in both instances the LDS Church refused. Soon after the second request, David O. McKay, then president of the LDS Church, donated $10,000 to support the Utah Boys Ranch. Later, leadership changed hands and Utah State Senator Chris Buttars became the executive director and remained so for more than fifteen years before retiring amid controversy.

In late 2015, an application was submitted Utah's Charter School Board. The Charter School Board approved the application and transition in January 2016, but the state's Board of Education reversed the decision the following month, denying the application without prejudice, amid allegations of abuse and financial insolvency. The Board of Education revisited the application in March 2016 following the preparation of a 60-page report prepared by the State's Office of Education providing details on the issues raised the previous month. After including caveats to keep public and private funding separate in the school's budgets and to ensure the safety of the new charter school's students, the Board of Education approved the application.

Sports program

West Ridge Academy offers a comprehensive sports program, believing it to be a positive treatment for some students because it offers a chance to form a bond with their teammates. The school has been an official member of the 1A Utah High School Activities Association since 2002 with the boys' varsity athletics. It fields boys' high school teams in basketball, baseball and soccer. In 2006 West Ridge Academy started a girls' athletics program and has a girls' basketball team.

Litigation and controversy

West Ridge has been the subject of several lawsuits, including personal injury lawsuits in 2008 and 2010. On January 2, 2009, a past student of the academy, published an article alleging abuses and controversial practices at the ranch. On January 9, 2009, Salt Lake City radio station KRCL invited Buttars, current West Ridge staff, and the student to the talk show RadioActive! to discuss the article, but Buttars and West Ridge staff declined the invitation. On October 21, 2010, the student sued West Ridge Academy in California District court, alleging negligence, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.

Allegations of abuse from former students were one of the main reasons Utah's Board of Education initially denied the application for West Ridge Academy to become a charter school called Eagle Summit Academy. In response to the allegations, the State Office of Education prepared a 60-page report providing more details for the Board on the issues raised. The report identified several lawsuits against West Ridge Academy, several of which were settled out of court, but could not find any corroborating evidence to support the allegations of abuse. The report was also critical of school's proposed financial structure.

In 2020, West Ridge Academy was under investigation after a teen girl from Bermuda died by suicide there.

In 2021, an employee was charged with child abuse after breaking a child's wrist who was allegedly verbally acting out in class and being defiant.

Relationship with LDS Church

The academy is nondenominational and open to all regardless of religious affiliation, but has had a number of connections with the LDS Church throughout the academy's history. The academy was established in 1964 with the assistance of a $10,000 donation from David O. McKay, then president of the LDS Church. There are several elderly couples called as LDS service missionaries at the academy. The service missionaries provide spiritual tutoring but do not proselytize, using the Book of Mormon and the Bible with LDS teens and only the Bible when interacting with teens of other faiths at the academy. Ken Allen, the academy's director, has stated that the missionaries' role is pivotal in the reformation of the boys and girls who attend West Ridge Academy. Prior to 2005, while operating under the name, Utah Boys Ranch, the logo of the facility included the phrase, "Do What is Right, Let the Consequence Follow", taken from an LDS hymn. H. David Burton, when he was the Presiding Bishop of the LDS Church, said that the LDS Church "has been and continues to be a long-time supporter" of West Ridge Academy.

References

  1. ^ "Search for Public Schools - West Ridge Academy (A1904497)". National Center for Education Statistics. Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved February 18, 2018.
  2. "Admissions". West Ridge Academy web site. Retrieved February 12, 2016.
  3. ^ Kristie Campbell (September 22, 2006), "Visit Reports: West Ridge Academy", Woodbury Reports, Strugglingteens.com, included in Woodbury Reports, Inc.: October 2006: #146, pages 13–16
  4. "Home page". West Ridge Academy web site.
  5. J., Daniel; Keefe, Stephen (February 19, 2014). "My Parents Had Me Abducted and Sent to a Mormon Treatment Center". Vice. Retrieved October 15, 2017.
  6. ^ "Elsey v. West Ridge Academy case #2:2008cv00390". Federal District Court Filings. Retrieved June 12, 2009.
  7. ^ "Doe et al v. Children and Youth Services et al case #2:2010cv00313". Federal District Court Filings. Retrieved May 5, 2011.
  8. ^ Vaughn, Aaron (January 13, 2012). "More speak out over West Ridge Academy lawsuit, claims of abuse". Retrieved February 12, 2016.
  9. ^ Wood, Benjamin (March 17, 2016). "Utah board approves charter school tied to treatment center accused of abusing children". Salt Lake Tribune.
  10. ^ "The Report of the Accreditation Visiting Team: West Ridge Academy" (PDF). Utah State Office of Education. p. 3. Retrieved May 7, 2011.
  11. ^ Wood, Benjamin (February 16, 2016). "Allegations of abuse at prospective charter school splits Utah's top school boards". Salt Lake Tribune.
  12. ^ "Board of Directors". West Ridge Academy website. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
  13. "West Ridge Academy 2007 tax form 990" (PDF). p. 20.
  14. "Board of Trustees". Utah Boys Ranch website. Archived from the original on April 11, 2000. Retrieved June 9, 2009.
  15. "Home page". Proficio Management web site.
  16. "West Ridge Academy 2007 tax form 990" (PDF). p. 8.
  17. "West Ridge Academy Staff". West Ridge Academy. Retrieved June 9, 2009.
  18. "West Ridge Academy web site home page". West Ridge Academy web site. Retrieved June 9, 2009.
  19. "UT Admin Code R501-15. Therapeutic Schools". Retrieved June 9, 2009.
  20. "Utah Department of Human Services licensure records for West Ridge Academy". Retrieved June 9, 2009.
  21. Orden, Del Van (March 4, 1964). "Boys Ranch In Kearns Nears Reality". Deseret News.
  22. ^ Bradford, Mary Lythgoe (1995). Lowell L. Bennion: Teacher, Counselor, Humanitarian. Dialogue Foundation. pp. 214–215. ISBN 1-56085-081-7.
  23. Collins, Lois M. (January 22, 1995). "Boys Ranch to dedicate spiritual center Thursday". Deseret News. Archived from the original on October 23, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
  24. Illegal Goings On at the Utah Boys Ranch?. September 27, 2004. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  25. West Ridge Academy Fighting Eagles, Deseret News. Retrieved May 8, 2011
  26. West Ridge Academy boys basketball, Deseret News. Retrieved May 8, 2011
  27. West Ridge Academy Baseball, Deseret News. Retrieved May 8, 2011
  28. West Ridge Academy boys soccer, Deseret News. Retrieved May 8, 2011
  29. "Go Figure". Sports Illustrated. February 7, 2011. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
  30. Norwood, Eric (January 2, 2009). "Trapped in a Mormon Gulag". Orato Media Corp. Archived from the original on May 3, 2009. Retrieved February 19, 2009.
  31. Gena Edvalson (January 13, 2009). "RadioActive! Jan 9 The Mormon Gulag". KRCL RadioActive website. Archived from the original on June 5, 2011. Retrieved June 9, 2009.
  32. Wood, Benjamin (March 17, 2016). "West Ridge Academy challenges accusations of abuse at state school board meeting". Salt Lake Tribune.
  33. Miller, Jessica (June 18, 2020). "A Utah facility for 'troubled teens' won't be disciplined after a girl from Bermuda died". Salt Lake Tribute. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  34. Reavy, Pat (May 12, 2021). "Employee at Utah school for troubled teens charged with child abuse". ksl.com. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  35. Farmer, Molly (April 15, 2009). "Missionaries bring love into lives at West Ridge Academy". MormonTimes. Deseret News. Archived from the original on February 15, 2016. Retrieved February 12, 2016.
  36. ""Do What Is Right...Let the Consequence Follow" Our Yearly Theme". Utah Boys Ranch website. Archived from the original on March 3, 2000. Retrieved June 9, 2009.
  37. Mcallister, Nelda (April 14, 2011). "Alex Boye performs at West Ridge Academy gala". MormonTimes. Deseret News. Archived from the original on January 21, 2013.

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