Campus Life
Montcalm School for Girls ages 12-18 is situated on a beautiful, 143-acre campus in Van Wert, Ohio filled with hardwoods, winding paths, green lawns and a stocked fishing pond. The setting itself is therapeutic, offering girls plenty of space for running, jumping, playing, and walking – as well as for quiet reflection.
Fitness Program
Our full-size gym, indoor pool and fitness center provide instruction, experience and opportunities for physical activity. The campus also features a football field/soccer field, an outdoor volleyball court, and outdoor basketball courts. The Montcalm model – inclusiveness, helpfulness and understanding – extends even into this arena. We encourage everyone to participate and have fun – and they do.
Cottage Life
Small groups of Montcalm students live together in an inviting and home-like cottage setting. Each girl shares a bedroom as well as the day-to-day responsibilities of life among her peers. The girls do their own laundry, prepare their own meals and participate in cottage chores. It’s a way of life that builds self-esteem, responsibility and a sense of belonging.
Group Meetings
Cottage members become their own “peer group.” Led by a highly trained group leader, the girls meet together in their cottage five days a week for a therapeutic group meeting. But really, thanks to our belief in the positive power of peers, the entire Montcalm experience is therapeutic. Whether it’s cheering on another girl in a sports event or just lending her a hand when you see her struggling (even if it’s just with the laundry), there’s healing in helping. We see it every single day. As for reporting, the treatment team provides updated treatment reports, therapy reviews and academic progress reports. Initial case reviews are conducted at 30 days and then at least once on a quarterly basis. We also welcome parent contact and can keep you regularly posted on your daughter’s progress.
Recreation
Ping-pong, air hockey, arts and crafts, even the occasional beauty shop and spa day- every Montcalm cottage has welcoming spaces for living and having fun. Outside there are trees to climb, a well-stocked fishing pond, and trails and woods to enjoy. Our girls have access to outdoor ropes courses; a full-size gym, a pool, live animals in our science room and much more, including a number of regularly scheduled campus activities. Girls thrive here, physically and emotionally.
Spiritual Development
Students are encouraged but not required to attend a non-denominational service every Sunday in our Chapel. While our program is grounded in a Judeo-Christian ethic, we embrace and encourage students of all faith traditions that recognize and celebrate our connectedness to God and each other.
Faculty & Staff
Round-the-clock teams, led by Master’s-level group leaders, supervise the girls in the cottages and are there for them throughout the day. Montcalm professionals, most of them long-time associates, are advocates, mentors, teachers and friends. They believe in what we do and the way we do it. It makes a big difference.
Clinic
An on-campus clinic is staffed by a licensed medical professional who is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.