Northwest Arkansas Childrens Shelter

On-site school

On-site school

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 school on-site 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-informed faculty and staff are trained to meet the unique emotional and social needs of a child in crisis. 

Sadie

In February 2017, I was taken into the Children’s Shelter at 3:27 a.m.

Read more about SadieImpact stories

Meet Sadie

In February 2017, I was taken into the Children’s Shelter at 3:27 a.m.

Due to my past, I was terrified of what I may be walking in to. What if this is the last time I see my brothers? What if I’m completely removed from my “normal” life? I can only imagine what my brothers thought, let alone any other child in the system. This being said, I was shocked walking in to see portraits painted among the walls, a dining room, welcoming staff members … gosh, don’t get me started on how shocked I was to see that we had legit rooms.

They’re decorated! It’s amazing. Here at the Shelter they do their best to make you feel as welcomed and comfortable as possible … Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter has honestly done the best they can do to help me in life. There was never a day that went by that I felt uncared for.

It was very hard adjusting, but I knew I was always okay in their hands.

I learned to be proud of who I am.

Javier, age 14

The world’s not perfect, but people are there to help you. The Shelter was a good environment and people wanted the best for me, and it made me want to love myself more. If I had not gone to the Shelter, I don’t think I’d be in school and I would probably still be in a home when I’m the adult when I shouldn’t have to be.

Lauren, age 16

Here at this Shelter, staff members treat you with respect and lots of care. They are all helpful and are willing to listen to anything you have to say. I feel safe here.

Damien, age 17