<p>My friend’s daughter is a junior in college, with above avg grades (no assessment yet). Her interests are variable…this is a girl who lacks confidence. She has a history of social/emotional problems and was in rehab. </p>
<p>Recently out of rehab, she has already fallen back, so college planning is difficult. We’re being optimistic and preferring a liberal arts school not far from home. (The family is in Orlando.) Something with a “CTCL-like” feel would be ideal. We heard about the New College of FL recently through CTCL. </p>
<p>Can you recommend any other schools that have a nurturing, collaborative learning style and support for kids in recovery? Also, feedback on New College would be appreciated.</p>
<p>The first place to look are the college members of the Assocation of Recovery Schools. The link is <a href=“http://www.recoveryschools.org%5B/url%5D”>www.recoveryschools.org</a> These schools tend have sober housing units (which is different than substance free), and special support programs for students in recovery. Three programs in particular that I really like are Augsburg College in Minn. if she wants a smaller school, Rutgers (they pioneered student recovery support services), and UT Austin. You can find the links above. If you email me at <a href="mailto:CZLAW@aol.com">CZLAW@aol.com</a>, I’ll be happy to pass on some other resources as well.</p>
<p>New College is probably the most liberal-arts-ish school in Florida, certainly among publics. Due to its extreme liberalism socially, I might worry about widespread drug use being a hindrance to recovery, but I don’t have any definite stats on usage. It’s also fairly academically rigorous…I don’t know where your friend’s daughter is academically, I certainly don’t intend to doubt her, just making you aware that it is considered an “honors college,” and has been hugely on the rise lately, and thus lower admission stats (though still higher, I believe, than most FL state schools…probably not UF) due to lack of awareness will likely be changing.</p>
<p>She’s variable, academically. When she’s in a structured enviroment, she’s all A’s and handles honors level work. When she went back to public school recently, the distractions caused her to slip back into her bad habits and attitude suffered, as well. She has weak coping skills and is a former “cutter.” </p>
<p>The family is considering UCF. It’s close to home and reasonalbe cost. I worry about her being in a large-scale environment so was looking for public, liberal colleges, as an alternative, but one with the structure and services she needs for recovery.</p>