Northwest Arkansas Childrens Shelter

Horizon Academy

Horizon Academy

Since 1998, the shelter has operated an on-site school for children in Pre-K through 12th grade. We are the only children’s shelter in the state to offer on-site education. Through a partnership with Bentonville Public Schools, our residents attend Horizon Academy and benefit from our low student-to-teacher ratio.

The education program spares children who have been traumatized the additional stress of starting a new school, as well as providing quality, individualized educational services. Students benefit from small classroom sizes taught by state-certified teachers trained in meeting the specialized classroom needs of children who have experienced trauma.

Our trauma-centered faculty and staff are trained to meet the unique emotional and social needs of a child in crisis. 

Demonte

Recently, we had an intelligent, hard-working young man in our care. His name was Demonte* and he was 15 years old. One day, he got upset in class and took off out of the building like he was planning to run away. This is not an uncommon reaction from the children in our care. Many […]

Read more about DemonteImpact stories

Meet Demonte

Recently, we had an intelligent, hard-working young man in our care. His name was Demonte* and he was 15 years old. One day, he got upset in class and took off out of the building like he was planning to run away. This is not an uncommon reaction from the children in our care. Many have been taught that their only two options, when circumstances are beyond their control, are fight or flight. This time, Demonte chose flight.
Lisa, one of our amazing Youth Care Specialists, followed after him and was calling out his name to stop him from walking away. Finally, he did stop and Lisa was able to convince him to return. Later that afternoon, when he was talking through what had happened, he said, “When I heard Mrs. Lisa saying my name, it made me realize that no one in my family or in my life would ever have cared if I ran away. The only reason I stopped is because I knew Mrs. Lisa must care about me because she came after me.”
This is just one story, among hundreds each year, that shows how much our youth care staff impact the children in our care – every day. It is an honor to be here for these kids when they need us the most.
*name and image changed to protect privacy

Thank you for being here and helping take care of us. We love you all!

Pearson siblings, ages 12, 8, 6

Thanks you NWACS, I now have a bright and successful future. I can’t say thank you enough and I will never forget the amazing people here.

Sammy, age 16

I tried a cupcake for the first time.

Kylee, age 6