We enroll boys year-round from across the nation. Call us today!
Nestled in the heart of Western Kentucky, our faith-based boarding school serves as a beacon of hope for boys ages 12–17 who are struggling with life’s challenges. Here, spiritual growth, emotional healing, and academic development intertwine to create a transformative experience. Our transformative environment, built on the proven principles of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), offers struggling boys the support they need to overcome the adverse effects of a hostile culture, peer pressure, past trauma or abuse, adoption challenges, or family conflict. Through faith, compassion, and a structured yet nurturing setting, students embark on a journey of self-discovery, restoration, and personal growth. Surrounded by the serenity of nature, Heartland Boys Academy provides a sanctuary where young men can rebuild their confidence, strengthen their character, and lay the foundation for a brighter future. Rooted in the time-tested Teen Challenge approach—which has been transforming lives for over half a century—our program offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact on your teen’s life.

A variety of outdoor activities encourage healthy living, commitment to others and teamwork.
Boys at Heartland Boys Academy participate in fun activities as they earn the opportunity by keeping up on their school work and are behaving well. On-campus, we have a number of sports and adventure opportunities and physical training activities.
All activities and training on campus are meant to build discipline and offer time for our staff to bond with and to offer an opportunity for our team to mentor the boys.

Each student at Heartland has an exciting opportunity to explore the Western Kentucky wilderness and do the kinds of things that boys love. That includes hiking, hunting, fishing, exploring, camping, cave spelunking, and many other outdoor adventures. While the boys experience fun in the wilderness, our team of counselors and mentors work on their thinking and behaviors. For boys who once had no hope for their own future, this adventure-based experience shows them that life can be exciting without drugs, alcohol, electronic games, or the other negative factors and influences that were a big part of their previous life.
“Heartland was the best decision we have made in our entire life. Our son’s life was saved from destruction on this earth and for eternity. The education at Heartland was the finest he could have received anywhere. He became a self-disciplined student with motivated study habits and finished with a 3.9 GPA. He now has the desire and compassion to serve in his community and church, as well as tutoring and mentoring younger kids.”

“I have been a long time support of the work Teen Challenge has accomplished and the help they have provided over the years.”

“Teen Challenge is one of the most successful programs in our country.”

“Organizations like Teen Challenge…have a far better record of dealing with social issues and people in difficulty than do the bureaucrats.”

“I truly admire Teen Challenge because of its loving, life-giving ministry to individuals who are bound by life-controlling addictions.”

“Teen Challenge is effective; it is literally changing the lives of young Americans from every walk of life. The work and dedication of Teen Challenge deserves the commendation of every citizen.”

“Teen Challenge offers hope and restoration to individuals by exchanging their distorted views on life with God’s perspectives.”

“I have not seen a more effective ministry in leading hurting people to a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ.”

“I wholeheartedly support the efforts of Teen Challenge…they really make a difference in lives and each of us can be proud that they are part of our community.”

“Teen Challenge is doing the job that others only talk about. Teen Challenge is a reputable institution that needs to be highlighted.”


LICENSING DISCLAIMER: While therapeutic services are provided through licensed staff, this program does not operate under a clinical license. Our strength lies in something deeper — faith-rooted mentoring, character transformation, and intentional life-building. This approach doesn’t just manage symptoms; it addresses the whole person, guiding teens toward a lasting and purpose-filled future. Families across the country have witnessed powerful, enduring change through this relational and spiritually grounded model.
