The Academy at Ivy Ridge in Ogdensburg, N.Y., promised a nurturing environment for troubled children to thrive, but the reality was far from it. Operating between 2001 and 2009, the for-profit boarding school subjected students to harsh conditions including cramped living spaces, solitary confinement, physical restraints, and a manipulative points system to prolong their stay.
Former students, now featured in Netflix's upcoming docuseries, reveal the dark truth behind the Academy's closed doors. The director, who spent 15 months at the school, uncovered evidence of abuse and mistreatment, including restraint logs and surveillance footage.
The school faced controversy throughout its existence, with a riot in 2005 leading to loss of accreditation and tuition refunds. The New York Attorney General's Office found Ivy Ridge guilty of misrepresenting academic credentials.
The troubled teen industry, estimated to receive $23 billion annually, has come under scrutiny. The World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASP), under which Ivy Ridge operated, is just one example of a larger issue.
Similar schools, like Trails Carolina, have also faced criticism. A recent incident resulting in a child's death prompted investigations and suspension of admissions.
The docuseries aims to shed light on the troubled teen industry's practices and empower survivors to speak out. The hope is for justice and awareness to prevent such abuses in the future.
The former Ivy Ridge property, now abandoned, holds painful memories for survivors. Suggestions to turn it into a memorial or museum for survivors have been made to honor their experiences and serve as a warning against repeating history.
The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping premieres on Netflix on March 5, offering a glimpse into the dark realities of institutions like Ivy Ridge.
