Discovery Academy set an enrollment record this year with more than 95% of the students enrolled at the school choosing to continue their programs upon turning 18 years old.

Brent Hall, Executive Director, says that while the school does not accept students 18 and older, the Academy does offer separate housing for students who turn 18 while they are enrolled.

Hall says during the 2008-2009 school year 22 consecutive students elected to remain at Discovery after turning 18.

 “I think it speaks to our culture,” he notes. “Success tends to create success. Students feel honored and individually valued so they want to stay.”

The 18-Year-Old House is designed to recognize and reward Discovery students for their adult status.  The 16-bed home was initially planned as over-flow housing only.

In 2004 Discovery Academy decided to convert the facility to special housing for students who turned 18. “We wanted to recognize their adulthood and give them added motivation to finish their programs,” Hall explains.

18-year-old students can remain at the Academy under the guidance of the same therapists and teachers who worked with them prior to their birthday.

Jonathan Jones has been named Headmaster at Discovery Academy. Jonathan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science from Westmont College. He holds a Masters degree in History from the University of Northern Colorado.

He has more than 40 years experience as a teacher and administrator in public and private high schools in Colorado, Virginia, California and Utah.

As Headmaster, Jonathan oversees academics at Discovery Academy, Oxbow Academy, Discovery Ranch, and RedCliff.  “Students with special needs need a special approach,” Jonathan says. He says he was drawn to the Discovery program because of the personalized academic approach for each student.   “It’s an ideal as opposed to the mass production that tends to be in most schools.”

 As Headmaster, Jonathan says his primary role is to insure the integrity and viability of Discovery’s academic programs. “We have to make sure we’re united as far as goals, curriculum and methodology.”

Discovery Academy is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and the State of Utah. Jonathan has been a member of the state accreditation committee for the past twelve years.

He has also served as an officer in the United States Coast Guard. He and his wife are the parents of three grown children.