Academics
Academic Integration at Second Nature: Supporting Growth in School and in Life
Second Nature is proud to be an accredited Special Purpose School in the State of Utah—and the only nature-based therapeutic program in the country with this distinction. This status ensures that all academic credits earned are fully transferable to schools nationwide. Students can earn up to four semester credits in core subject areas.
We are also nationally accredited by Cognia, which affirms our commitment to high standards of educational quality and professional practice. This dual accreditation gives families the peace of mind that academic progress made during treatment will be recognized and valued across state lines.
Academics at Second Nature are intentionally woven into the therapeutic experience, creating opportunities for meaningful growth both emotionally and intellectually. Many of our students arrive with a history of school-related challenges—such as poor study habits, performance anxiety, avoidance, or defiance—that often reflect deeper clinical concerns. By observing how students engage with academic tasks in this environment, our staff can identify and address these issues in real time.
Our curriculum supports the development of key academic and executive functioning skills, including follow-through, time management, independent learning, and emotional regulation. Resistance to authority, low motivation, and academic anxiety often emerge as therapeutic themes—and become valuable entry points for clinical work.
Each student receives an individualized academic packet featuring coursework in Biology, English, Physical Education, and Psychology. These lessons are thoughtfully designed to align with the experiential, nature-based setting, helping students stay engaged while also gaining skills that will support success in more traditional classrooms.
Therapists regularly review academic work—not just to track progress, but to better understand the emotional and behavioral patterns that may be affecting learning. This dual-purpose approach allows us to treat school-related issues as part of the broader therapeutic process.
At the end of the program, students receive official transcripts and grades for completed coursework, making the transition back to school smoother and more supported.
By bridging therapeutic work with meaningful academic engagement, Second Nature helps students reenter their educational journey with renewed confidence, insight, and a stronger foundation for success.
