Frequently Asked Questions

Where do students stay for the interview and what will they be doing?
Interviewees stay at the Phase One house for the entire interview, including two overnights. They will be interacting with the other students, learning how we operate, meeting faculty and determining if Echo Springs has to offer what they are looking for. Potential students will have plenty of opportunity to ask any questions of both Faculty and students. If parents come to the interview, they meet with faculty at the beginning and the end of the process. The rest of their stay is at a local hotel on their own.

What is the ratio of men to women students?
We normally have 6-7 young men and 3-4 young women in each Phase. There is no dating in Phase One, it is appropriate to begin dating again in Phase Two if you wish and there is never any dating between students in the program.

How do students get around? Can they have a car?
In Phase One, our faculty provides transportation in several school vehicles. We are not chauffeurs however! Trips to town are set up to facilitate schedules. All students are required to have a mountain bike which is used spring, summer and fall for transportation, exercise and fun. In Phase Two, students live two blocks from downtown, less than a mile from North Idaho College and there is some public transportation. Bikes are still put to good use and cars may be negotiated if a student is doing well.

Can students start college and get a job in Phase One?
Yes, but first we want each student to complete our “Life Skills Curriculum.” Once completed (6-8 weeks) they will be ready to get a job and be eligible to start college.

Where do most students come from?
Our students come from all over the country and the world. All geographical areas of the U.S. are usually represented with an occasional international student.

If a student has completed another program, can they skip Phase One and just do Phase Two?
The curriculum at Echo Springs is designed to be sequential and cumulative. Relationship building and trust are integral to growth and to skip any portion of the program would be detrimental. Those who have completed a prior program will build on their skills and learn to apply those skills in a practical manner. All students (and their families) are expected to make a one year minimum commitment.

Can students have an Ipod, computer and cell phone?
If a student already owns an Ipod he/she may bring it to Echo Springs. The school has a computer that all students may use; internet is accessed at the local library. Students may petition to have a laptop after enrolling in college courses. Cell phones are not permitted in Phase One; however a student may petition to have a phone in Phase Two if they can pay for it themselves.

What happens if a student relapses or gets into trouble?
We understand that most students come here with a history of poor choices and expect them to make some mistakes as they learn new skills. Honesty, communication and intent to change are key and almost everyone gets a second chance.

Do students get to return home for visits? Can families visit in Idaho?
Echo Springs closes four times per year for visits, which allows students to practice their newly developed skills in a different setting. We take one week for Spring Break, two weeks in August, six days at Thanksgiving and two weeks for the winter holidays. Students return home, visit relatives, go on vacation and occasionally stay with an interim family in Bonners Ferry. Families are welcome to visit on weekends (prior arrangement with faculty required). Parents are required to attend the Phase Two interview and the Exit Interview (which includes Graduation).

How involved is the Director?
Doug is hands-on with students‚ teaches a life skills class‚ participates in some activities and travels to Coeur d’Alene twice a week to meet with Phase Two and Phase Out students. He talks with parents regularly and meets with faculty each week for student updates. Doug also teaches the Europe class from January to May and leads that two week trip.

As a parent, how will I know my son/daughter is progressing at Echo Springs?
Initially you will have weekly calls with either the Director or the Parent Coordinator. As your son/daughter settles in, the calls move to every other week. During the second phase, you will have 2-3 progress calls per month with the faculty. You are welcome to call the business office or email the school at any time with questions or concerns.

Do you offer scholarships or sliding scale fees for tuition?
As a small program, we are unable to offer reduced fees. However, we do have lending groups and foundations that work with our families – please see additional information under Tuition and Fees.

What is your success rate?
Define success! We find that continuum to be unique to each student. It is helpful to talk with students who stayed and worked through the phases. They will probably tell you that while their lives are not perfect, they do experience their life with a lot more satisfaction, contentment and direction and a lot less resistance. Alumni contacts are available upon request.