A Place for Discovery
Founded in 2004 by former NFL player Scott McGarrahan, Resolution Ranch Academy is a boarding school in Texas that helps troubled teenagers get back on track toward a brighter future. Students ages 13 to 17 live on our campus in Cameron, Texas, for an average of six to nine months. Ours is a positive, nurturing environment that guides personal growth through responsibility, gratitude, and open communication.
Back to Nature
Our school, situated on 500 acres of open ranch land, is a place where boys can unplug from the noise of the modern world. Nature has a way of bringing us down to earth and rekindling meaningful introspection. Outdoor activities like fishing on the lake, hiking the trails, and horseback riding help students reconnect with the world and the people in it.
A Nurturing Environment & Family Atmosphere
An enrollment of approximately 32 students with a full-time staff of 25 gives Resolution Ranch a family-style atmosphere. Your son benefits from seven of our staff members on his team–our licensed therapists, equine therapists, direct care workers, teachers, child care administrators, and counselors working together to provide 24/7 supervision and support. This consistent interaction encourages camaraderie and openness among students and staff, helping them achieve honest communication and meaningful progress.
A Supportive Residential Program for Teens
Resolution Ranch Academy we do not use military-style tactics or harsh discipline. We are, first and foremost, advocates for your child and their future. Our R.A.N.C.H Program (Recovery and Academics through Nature, Counseling, and Healing) revolves around self-growth and progress earned through responsibility, work, self-awareness, and dialogue. Our goal is not to change your child but to guide him through re-evaluating his path and rediscovering his true self.
More Information About Resolution Ranch Academy
What is Resolution Ranch Academy?
Resolution Ranch Academy is a therapeutic boarding school and residential treatment program for boys ages 13–17 who are struggling with behavioral, emotional, or academic challenges. Located in Cameron, Texas, the program combines accredited academics with therapy, life skills training, and structured activities to help teens restore responsibility, confidence, and positive family relationships.
Who does Resolution Ranch Academy serve?
The program serves teenage boys from across the United States who face issues such as defiance, poor academic performance, anger, depression, substance experimentation, or difficulties at home and school. Families often choose Resolution Ranch when local counseling or short-term solutions have not been effective.
What is the program approach at Resolution Ranch Academy?
Resolution Ranch uses a therapeutic model that combines professional counseling, equine therapy, group sessions, and family therapy. Students also participate in daily routines that build character, responsibility, and leadership. The ranch environment offers structure, consistency, and a safe space for emotional growth.
Is Resolution Ranch Academy accredited?
Yes. Resolution Ranch provides a fully accredited academic program that allows students to earn transferrable credits toward high school graduation. Certified teachers and staff support students in staying on track academically while addressing personal and behavioral struggles.
Is Resolution Ranch Academy licensed?
Yes. Resolution Ranch Academy is licensed through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) as a Residential Facility. This license confirms the program meets state requirements for operating a residential program for youth. It is uncertain whether the license covers therapeutic or clinical healthcare services. Families should confirm with the program directly regarding the scope of licensed services.
Where is Resolution Ranch Academy located?
The ranch is located in Cameron, Texas, situated on more than 500 acres of countryside. The setting provides a peaceful and distraction-free environment that supports healing and long-term transformation.
How long is the typical stay at Resolution Ranch Academy?
The average length of stay is 6 to 12 months, depending on each student’s progress and individual needs. The extended timeframe allows for meaningful emotional growth, therapeutic breakthroughs, and academic success.
What outcomes can families expect?
Families often report improved communication, restored trust, better emotional regulation, and stronger academic performance in their sons. Resolution Ranch emphasizes long-term character development, so students leave with skills and values that extend beyond graduation.
Why do families choose Resolution Ranch Academy?
Resolution Ranch Academy is chosen by families seeking a structured, faith-friendly, and supportive environment where their sons can heal and thrive. The program blends therapeutic care with academics and life skills, creating a balanced path toward lasting change.
Contact Resolution Ranch Academy
Address: 2274 County Road 765, Cameron, Texas 76520
Phone: (254) 718-3364
Website: resolutionranch.com
CALL US TODAY AT 254-718-3364 OR START THE CONVERSATION
About Resolution Ranch Academy
| General | |
| Program Name | Resolution Ranch Academy |
| Program Details | Resolution Ranch Academy is a therapeutic boarding school and residential boys ranch in Cameron, Texas, serving boys ages 13–17 who are experiencing behavioral, emotional, academic, or family challenges. The program combines licensed clinical therapy, accredited academics, equine-assisted experiences, structured ranch responsibilities, mentoring, fitness, outdoor activities, and family involvement within a supportive residential environment. Students live on the 500-acre Central Texas ranch while progressing through the structured R.A.N.C.H. program, which stands for Recovery and Academics through Nature, Counseling and Healing. |
| Founder | Scott McGarrahan, former NFL player |
| Founding Date | 2004 |
| Contact Information | |
| Location | Cameron, Texas 76520 |
| Website | https://resolutionranch.com/ |
| Telephone | Admissions: 254-718-3364 Text Only: 561-810-2185 |
| Families may contact Resolution Ranch Academy through the secure inquiry form on the program website or call admissions at 254-718-3364. | |
| Address | 2274 CR 203 LP Cameron, Texas 76520 |
| Organization Information | |
| Licensed? | Yes. Resolution Ranch Academy is licensed through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) as a Residential Facility. The program provides residential care for boys ages 13–17 and incorporates therapy delivered by licensed clinical professionals as part of its therapeutic boarding school program. |
| Accreditations | Resolution Ranch Academy provides an accredited academic program. The school identifies accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and Cognia/AdvancED, allowing students to continue earning transferable academic credits while participating in the residential therapeutic program. |
| Strengths | Resolution Ranch Academy combines licensed clinical therapy, accredited academics, equine-assisted experiences, outdoor and ranch-based activities, mentoring, family therapy, fitness, and structured residential living in one integrated program. Its approximately 32-student enrollment and multidisciplinary staff create a small, relationship-focused environment. The 500-acre ranch setting allows students to step away from negative influences while developing responsibility, communication, emotional regulation, confidence, academic progress, and healthier family relationships. |
| Religious Affiliation | Yes. Resolution Ranch Academy describes itself as a faith-based therapeutic boarding school and residential ranch program. Faith and character development are incorporated into the supportive environment alongside therapy, academics, mentoring, and ranch life. |
| Other Affiliations | Resolution Ranch Academy operates as an independent therapeutic boarding school and residential ranch program in Texas. Its academic program is associated with Cognia/SACS accreditation. |
| Reference Checks | Resolution Ranch Academy conducts an admissions assessment before enrollment to determine whether the program is an appropriate fit for each student. Reference requirements vary by applicant. Resolution Ranch Academy may request records, evaluations, or supporting documentation during admissions. |
| Site Visits | Yes. Families are welcome to tour Resolution Ranch Academy after completing the admissions assessment. Tours are not required for enrollment and may be scheduled through the admissions team at 254-718-3364. |
| Length of Stay | The average residential stay is approximately six to nine months, although each student’s length of stay may vary based on individual therapeutic, behavioral, family, and academic progress. |
| Enrollment Period(s) | Year-round rolling admissions. Resolution Ranch Academy accepts applications throughout the calendar year, and accepted students may enroll once required admissions paperwork is completed and space is available. The program notes that space may be limited and a waiting list may occur. |
| Number of Students | Approximately 32 students. Resolution Ranch Academy maintains a relatively small residential population supported by a multidisciplinary team of therapists, educators, counselors, direct-care staff, administrators, and other professionals. |
| Target Population | |
| Ages | Boys ages 13–17. |
| Gender(s) | Male. Resolution Ranch Academy is a residential therapeutic boarding school and ranch program specifically for teenage boys ages 13–17. |
| Ideal For | Resolution Ranch Academy is designed for boys ages 13–17 who are struggling with behavioral, emotional, academic, social, or family-related challenges. The program works with boys experiencing concerns such as defiance, anger, disrespect, lack of motivation, poor academic performance, school refusal, family conflict, anxiety, depression, ADHD, poor peer choices, low self-esteem, excessive technology use, and other life-controlling or self-destructive behaviors. Admissions staff evaluate each prospective student individually to determine whether the program is clinically and residentially appropriate. |
| Program Structure | |
| Program Structure | Resolution Ranch Academy uses a structured five-level R.A.N.C.H. system: Recovery and Academics through Nature, Counseling and Healing. Students progress through Ranch Hands, Cattlemen, Ropers, Wranglers, and Cowboys. Each level builds on responsibility, communication, self-awareness, therapeutic goals, healthy decision-making, leadership, relationships, accountability, and preparation for returning home. The residential schedule also incorporates academics, clinical therapy, equine activities, ranch responsibilities, mentoring, fitness, recreation, and family involvement. |
| Program Design | Resolution Ranch Academy is designed as an integrated therapeutic boarding school where clinical care, education, experiential learning, and daily residential life reinforce one another. Boys participate in individual, group, and family therapy while continuing accredited academics and taking part in equine experiences, chores, mentoring, physical activity, outdoor recreation, and structured community living. The ranch environment is intended to reduce distractions and create opportunities to practice responsibility, communication, emotional regulation, confidence, and healthy relationships in everyday situations. |
| Specialized Focus | Therapeutic residential care for teenage boys ages 13–17 experiencing behavioral, emotional, academic, and family difficulties. Resolution Ranch Academy specializes in combining licensed clinical therapy, behavior-focused counseling, family therapy, equine-assisted experiences, accredited education, mentoring, personal responsibility, structured ranch life, and experiential learning. |
| Trauma-Specific Tools | Resolution Ranch Academy provides individualized clinical care through licensed therapists, including individual, group, and family therapy. Specific trauma modalities should be confirmed with the clinical team. |
| Trauma-Informed Care? | Resolution Ranch Academy provides individualized therapeutic care through licensed clinical professionals within a structured residential environment. Treatment planning considers each student’s emotional, behavioral, family, and personal history. Families who require a specific trauma-informed treatment model or specialized trauma modality should discuss those needs directly with the admissions and clinical teams before enrollment. |
| Community Focus | Resolution Ranch Academy emphasizes a small, structured residential community where boys learn through relationships with peers, therapists, teachers, mentors, direct-care staff, and family members. Group therapy, shared ranch responsibilities, academics, recreation, mentoring, and the R.A.N.C.H. level system reinforce accountability, respect, communication, leadership, teamwork, service, and healthy relationships. |
| Life Skills Training | Students develop practical life skills through daily ranch responsibilities, chores, structured routines, mentoring, therapeutic assignments, academics, recreation, and community living. Skills emphasized include time management, communication, accountability, personal responsibility, decision-making, conflict resolution, leadership, teamwork, self-management, healthy relationships, and preparation for returning successfully to home and school. |
| Trade Skills Training | Resolution Ranch Academy is not primarily a vocational or trade school. However, students gain hands-on practical experience through ranch responsibilities and projects such as animal care, fence work, kitchen assistance, property maintenance, repairs, and other supervised tasks. These activities help develop initiative, responsibility, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and a strong work ethic. |
| Cost | |
| Estimated Cost | Resolution Ranch Academy is a private residential therapeutic boarding school and is not a free program. Current tuition and program costs may change and are provided directly by the admissions team. Families should contact Resolution Ranch Academy at 254-718-3364 for current tuition, fees, payment requirements, and available financing information. |
| Financial Assistance | Financial aid or financing options may be available depending on the family’s circumstances and current program policies. Families should contact the Resolution Ranch Academy admissions team for current information regarding financial assistance, financing options, eligibility requirements, and payment arrangements. |
| Insurance | Insurance coverage is not guaranteed and varies by policy and service. Families should verify benefits directly with Resolution Ranch Academy and their insurer. |
