Wellspring Academy of California

Wellspring Academies are the world’s only weight loss boarding schools for overweight teens and young adults. Students gain skills and motivation to transform their lifestyle while residing on one of our campuses and continuing their middle school, high school, or college education. Wellspring students achieve amazing results, even if they have tried a wide variety of teen weight loss programs without success in the past.

Academics   Student Living   Activities   Directors

Wellspring Academy of California

The first and flagship Wellspring Academy (formerly Academy of the Sierras), Wellspring Academy of California has transformed hundreds of lives since opening in September 2004. It is located on the edge of the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, about 30-minutes southeast of Fresno on a beautiful 68-acre campus.

Location: Reedley, California
Young men and women ages 13–24. 18 – 24 year olds participate in Wellspring College Program and reside on separate part of campus.
Grades 8 through college.
Pick-up available from Fresno-Yosemite International Airport.

Wellspring Academy of California Highlights

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE WELLSPRING ACADEMY OF CALIFORNIA CAMPUS >>

Academics at Wellspring Academy of California

At Wellspring, we understand the need for a dynamic academic program that engages each individual in the learning process and prepares students for a successful future. While some students are already excelling when they arrive at Wellspring, many have struggled and fallen behind at their home schools.

Students benefit from the physical and emotional transformation that occurs while attending Wellspring, often leading to an increase in energy, improved focus, and higher levels of concentration. In fact, a recent study showed that student Grade Point Average improved by 27.5% at Wellspring compared to most recently completed semester at home.

Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Wellspring’s Academic Department works to ensure a smooth academic transition to and from Wellspring, and assists students in working toward their long-term academic goals.

Wellspring Academy of California provides individualized tutoring and is able to work with students who have IEPs. Wellspring Academy of California also supports and provides prep courses for students who are taking the SAT.

Curriculum at Wellspring Academy of California

In addition to standard academic coursework, Wellspring has a core curriculum designed to teach students the fundaments of a long-term healthy lifestyle, including culinary , nutrition and fitness. In these courses, students learn to integrate the findings of leading weight loss research into their everyday lives, providing them with the knowledge and skills to maintain weight loss when they return home.

As their confidence and self-esteem improve, many students begin to develop new skills and interests. Wellspring Academy of California offers a wide range of electives to nurture this growing enthusiasm. Electives may include foreign languages, performing arts, media, debate, philosophy, horticulture, hip-hop culture, visual arts, leadership, animal care, photography and independent projects. All courses are taught by members of the Wellspring Faculty, with availability of electives dependent on current student population needs.
Click here for more information on the Wellspring College Program.


For additional information on the physical, emotional, academic and financial impact of excess weight, please click here.

Student Living at Wellspring Academy of California

The quality of life experienced by students at Wellspring is extremely important to their overall success. Many students arrive having felt socially isolated and lonely at their home school. At Wellspring, students are surrounded by peers who understand their struggle and are immersed in an environment that supports their academic and weight loss success at every turn.

Students at Wellspring Academy of California live in one of three dormitories. There is one dormitory for boys, one for girls and one for the Wellspring College Program. Living arrangements vary from two to four students per room, depending on the configuration. Most rooms have in-suite bathrooms and showers. To take a look at the dorms and other facilities, please click here to take the virtual tour. The dorms and facilities are also prominently featured in many of the television news programs available for viewing here.

Activities at Wellspring Academy of California

Many parents report a growing concern about their child’s lack of physical activity as a major reason for choosing Wellspring. Activity level has a dramatic impact on students’ weight loss, as well as their motivation and engagement in academic and personal lives. Wellspring Academy of California’s scientifically-based Activity Management program ensures that Wellspring students achieve an unprecedented level of activity – starting at 10,000 steps per day (as measured on a pedometer), but often exceeding 20,000 (approximately 10 miles of walking).

Facilities at Wellspring Academy of California offer unique and varied opportunities for students to find activities they love and will continue at home. Our 68-acre campus offers:

Wellspring California also makes frequent use of the nearby National Parks – Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite – for hiking, backpacking, mountain biking and camping.

Directors

David Melear, M.Ed. is Executive Director of Wellspring California and Wellspring Academy of California. David is a leader in the field of therapeutic education with experience extending back 16 years. Prior to joining Wellspring, David spent several years with Universal Health Services and served as COO of Coastal Harbor Treatment Center in Savannah, GA, and CEO of Provo Canyon School - one of the largest therapeutic programs in the country. David received a Bachelor's degree in Education Magna Cum Laude from Western Kentucky University, and a Master's degree in Education from Western Kentucky University.

Samanthia Gaspar, PsyD is Clinical Director of Wellspring Academy of California. Sammi started with Healthy Living Academies as a Behavioral Coach at Wellspring New York and Wellspring California in 2006 before relocating to Wellspring Academy of California. Sammi has worked for a number of years in diverse settings with youth and their families around issues of emotional, physical and mental health, as well as addiction and substance abuse. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Social Work from Illinois State University, her Master’s in Organizational and Counseling Psychology from the Alder School of Professional Psychology, and her PsyD in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Art LeTourneau is Academic Director of Wellspring Academy of California. Art earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Police Administration from Boise State University. Art also holds a graduate certificate in Theology from the University of the South. Art has worked in education for the past seventeen years. His previous experience includes teaching at the high school and college levels. He has also served as Academic Director for a private school in Santiago, Chile. Art has been active in the Boy Scouts for over 30 years and is an Eagle Scout. Prior to becoming an educator, Art worked in law enforcement in several administrative capacities. Art enjoys travel, reading, and spending quality time with friends. Art is married with two children.

Jeremy Selan is Operations Director of Wellspring Academy of California. Jeremy was previously activities coordinator at Wellspring Adventure Camp. With his Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Johnson & Wales University, financial management with self owned Mobile Muscles and certification in personal training through National Federation of Professional Trainers, Jeremy brings a wealth of knowledge to Wellspring.

Becky Pfeiffer, M.Ed. is Senior Academic Advisor of Wellspring Academy of California. Becky has 27 years in the field of education with a broad and diverse cross-cultural background. Her administrative and classroom experience in both public school systems and private schools enables her to effectively construct and implement curriculum that ensures all students may enjoy, grow and develop in their education. Becky received a Master’s in Education Administration from California State University, Fresno and a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from San Diego State University. She has spoken at many conferences and events at the state and national levels. Becky has been recognized by the United States Congress and California's State Senate for her outstanding contributions to the field of education.


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