Freestate Challenge Academy Review

I am so greatful for this program. It has changed my son for the better. I know he's not finished yet but I know he will come out a changed young man

Great place to go if you want to change your life. The only negative remarks and comments are from people that their kids where kicked out for fighting, stealing or destroying property.

Amazing experience, graduated 10+ years ago but I'd chose this again. This is a personal choice.

Be very cautious placing your child in this program. Do not trust that your child will be in good hands. You will not be given full disclosure on what really happens once your child is trusted into the care of the staff. My son survived 5 months of Hell before he could not take anymore of the abuse. He was beat up within the first two weeks of his arrival. Kids were going AWOL consistently. There is constant bullying, harassment and mistreatment of the Cadets who do not fit in with some of the groups who find themselves in good favor with the Cadre and Administration. Cadets are made to clean feces out of toilettes that are clogged and lets not leave out feces in the shower that must be cleaned up. My son reported that he witnessed on several occasions one of the Cadre shoving cadets. Said Cadre was supposedly disciplined but continued to put hands on some of the cadets. Pray that your child does not get sick while in their custody. Multiple students became sick on several different occasions including my son, they were given cough drops for treatment. After several days of being ill my son past out and was transported to the hospital. He was diagnosed with a sinus infection and a Migraine do to the stress he was under. My son kept returning to this Hell because he was wishing to obtain his GED quickly after messing up in school academically. Please know that the staff will not be honest with you, they are experts at hiding the truth. There is way to much that happened during my sons time spent in this Hell to post here, I will state that he left with only 5 weeks till graduation because he told my husband and I some more horror that was going on inside. We suspect that Cadre took the information back to some of the cadets, my sons locker was broken into with all of his items being destroyed. One of the cadets told my son that they were looking for his home address because once they graduated they were coming to shoot up his house and all of the occupants inside. There are criminals enrolled in this program. There are kids who have a criminal history enrolled in this program. The staff will not tell you any of this when your going through the process of admission. Please feel free to contact me if you are seriously considering this program. I can share emails, text messages and more to help you make an informed decision based upon the needs for your child.

This place changes lives for the better. So grateful for all the staff. My niece has seriously been positively impacted by this place. Great work

While stationed at APG I had the honor of participating in sporting events competing against these students. Highly respectful on and off the field. I love this program.

Words cannot explain how FreeState challenge Academy, modeled me to be a gracious courageous professional adult. I was class of 04, just aging 16-17, now I am 28, and a graduate student with nine courses left. And I will be entering law school with God's grace next year.

Thank you all. Sergeant, the first sergeant. Colonel, Silver Wings, The National's in VA beach (in which I was a part of the track and swim team) and Mr. Chandler, Ms. Jackson, Mr. Henderson, and of course all Staff we helped in our community.

I hope to see you all soon.

I went here in 2013 and it changed my life for the better.

A friend's granddaughter went here. Scared straight hasn't happened yet cause none of the military person's has shown up to check up on the student Waters. But the campus looked like a military camp cause it was. The entrance in was scary but ones u got approved the long scenic drive would be a hell of a walk to and back. Waters only did 5 months I know it was an awesome experience for her

I attended the 8th class back in 97. Best decision my mother made because it was very likely I would have dropped out. Im actually considering registering one of my children.

I was a student in cycle 19, 2002. I did not know my potential or my abilities until I attended. I was very shy but through wanting to do better in life I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and ended up joining the student government, drill team (placed 2nd in national competition), jeopardy team (placed 2nd in national competition), the student work program where we fabricated new military technology, and silver wings where we learned how to fly a plane. I am forever grateful to Sgt. Redwood (the most memorable Sgt for me, she was tough but a sweetheart who really cared about your success if you prove yourself), Sgt. Stringfellow (another Sgt Ill never forget, a good man), Sgt. Turner, Sgt. Smiley, 1 Sgt. White, and all the other Cadre that worked to get us fit and give us the opportunity to become successful and disciplined young men and women.

Due to this program I went on and graduated college (Maryland Univ) with honors, done very well professionally- including starting my own business, and now finishing my masters degree but it all STARTED HERE. I am very grateful for this program for it changed my life by giving me a second chance.

My advice to anyone about to attend: DO NOT get caught up in clicks, do not get caught up in the opposite sex, do not disobey the rules for temporary gain. Many (if not all) the girls who secretly hooked up with boys, were dumped at graduation.

Focus on you and you alone!

I did not make any friends and proud of it because I was there to do extremely well and that's just what I did. I came out with 4 awards that I was able to put on college and job applications (still do). Remain steadfast, study hard (the GED test is not easy), do what your told, leave the attitude at the door and get out of your comfort zone! Take advantage of every single program offered. Push yourself to join absolutely EVERYTHING you can! When the time comes- stay out of the barracks as much as possible, only stay there to sleep and study like I did. Its only 5 1/2 months and seems like forever but once its over and you did well, you'll thank yourself for the rest of your life!

God speed and God bless. Former Cadet Jennings ;-)

My daughter had a few issues with staff bit she wanted to stay. She was telling them that she had made progress but they wouldn't hear it. I was disappointed because here was a young lady wanting to stay and she wasnt fighting and didn't harm anyone. She was a little too verbal i guess but what did they think these kids come from catholic school. She was frustrated and they kicked her out. I wouldn't recommend thia place

I graduated from FCA in 1998. This program changed my life. I found out recently that the Cadre don't make a whole lot of money. I could always tell they signed up because they cared about us more than their salary.

If an at risk youth wants to change their life it can happen at Freestate Challenge Academy.

I had the privilege of pioneering one of the first mentor/church services for the young men and women at the Freestate Challenge Military Academy, held in Aberdeen Proving Grounds every week for over 10 years. I had a team of volunteers and worked closely with staff members that focused on presenting a message of hope and encouragement for the cadet s mental health and spiritual needs. We recognized the tremendous need for a mentor, follow up and furthering education, which helps with breaking out of troubled and toxic environments. Also, I had the privilege of impacting their educational outcomes and workplace as well as their personal relationship with God and spiritual journey.

Being a graduate myself in 1997, I will always be grateful for how this program has given me the necessary tools in my life to become a success and how it has allowed me the opportunity to give back. I have witnessed so many great things that have come out of volunteering, both in the cadet s lives and my own. With great support, I have the confidence to take on my own challenges in this journey of life and have witnessed hundreds of success stories in both young men and women of the Freestate Academy throughout the years.

If you re dealing with the difficulties of your past and planning for your future, you need a good recipe. Here is one of Lee Veader s tested and true recipes that always works: "When good people provide their time and resources during a crucial time, then mix it with tough Love and hard work, it will help shape our future by making a difference in an individual s life."

free states challenging academy is not given a 2nd chance kids havering difficulty at regular high school because I don t want any parent go through like me and my son. My company recommended me to Freestate Challenge Academy & that it was a good fit for my son so I gave it a try since my son has attended 9-11 grade at military school I started a process application got everything done brung my son to the program after 2 weeks 1/2 they put him out because the assistant director didn t like my son I was very disappointed and hard to believe the reason they gave me. I don t think Government has knowledge how they run this place and mistreat kids. This organization really needs help, the assistant director Mr. Dickerson uses his power only he keep the kids he like,The kids really need help trying to push them to be successful and a better citizen he put them out one by one from the program Unfairly, please don t take your kid in this place because they advertise this place freestate challenging academy & that they offer a second chance is false because we ve been discriminated we never given a second chance my son was put out unfairly so just want give advice to the parent whoever to decide to bring their children to this place not to mention how bad the living the quality are & that there are rats & snakes running through the attic of the rooms the cadets sleep in#DISAPPOINTED

As a former employee of this program, I honestly believe every experience varies based of likability. If you're a fan of the policies and instate of this program, you can't go wrong. I've seen the frustration on the faces of parents and kids alike, but did my best to stress the importance of the mission. Your kid's interest is the interest of the engaged employees of this program. If you feel a particular way about a policy or decision, schedule a conference to discuss. I believe WE all have a vested interest in the future, and once your kid steps through the doors of any Youth Academy, that attitude should and will be shared.

My son was a graduate of Class 51!

This program was a savior for me as my son literally gave up on high school AND didn't care! I did everything!! TRUST ME when I say everything. He graduated December 15, 2018, from the Freestate Challenge Academy (FCA) and was awarded a Scholarship for Academic Excellence! I was so shocked I nearly fell out my seat (real talk)!

My son excelled in this program and YES it was difficult at times. It is an adjustment being a responsible young adult and having the discipline to follow through. This program may not be for every child, you could say the same thing about high school.

If you've come this far, it will be beneficial for you and your child to go to the orientation. The orientation is not a commitment even though you fill out a simple application. It's an overview of the program and will give you an opportunity to address any questions/concerns you may have.

I would like to thank the FCA Staff and SOME of the Cadre. A special thanks go out to Mr. Sherrod and Mr. Dickerson!

Class#2 Graduate for all those who have gone through after my class welcome to the fold. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Though there are some who think that sending your child through a tough, military style school going through it prepared for life situations. I learned that if you want something bad enough let nothing or no one stand in your way; Obstacles are a part of life when you are trying to earn what you want. I had a very good military career of 15 years and it's because I was broken from bad habits and made into someone better. The Cadre did their jobs making sure we understood that once we left there the world is waiting on us and we came in as a bunch of sheep and left as wolves.

I was a cadet in class 52 and I didn't want to go but I did and I am glad that I did. They helped me make a plan for what I wanted to do with my life. Yes some of the other cadets can be cruel but that is the same no matter where you go in life. They prepared me for life in a way that I wish everyone could experience. My case manager Mr. Ancrum was the best case manager I could have asked for. He pushed us to work as a team and he talked to all of us. If it wasn't for him I don't think I would have been able to make it through. It's tough but it is worth it.