Is it possible for a place advertised as a sanctuary to instead become a prison of the mind and body? The story of Academy at Ivy Ridge, a now-defunct disciplinary boarding school in Ogdensburg, New York, chillingly answers in the affirmative.
Marketed as a haven for troubled teens, Ivy Ridge promised a solution for families seeking to address their children's behavioral issues. However, the reality, as unveiled by a recent Netflix documentary, "The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping," paints a horrifying picture of systematic abuse and psychological manipulation. The institution, which operated from 2001 to 2009, has once again found itself under intense scrutiny, prompting an investigation by the Lawrence County District Attorney and reigniting the painful memories of former students who endured its harsh regime. Accounts from survivors detail alleged instances of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, transforming what was supposed to be a path to rehabilitation into a descent into darkness.
The investigation, alongside the documentary's release, has brought the disturbing practices of the "troubled teen industry" into sharp focus. Ivy Ridge was just one of many residential programs operating across the United States and internationally, all preying on vulnerable families. The school, once a bustling institution housing up to 600 students paying exorbitant fees, is now an abandoned shell, a stark reminder of the alleged exploitation and trauma inflicted within its walls. As the investigation unfolds, the hope is that those responsible will be held accountable and that the painful experiences of the survivors will finally be acknowledged and addressed.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Academy at Ivy Ridge |
| Type | Private Disciplinary Boarding School |
| Location | Ogdensburg, New York |
| Operational Years | 2001 - 2009 |
| Founder | Jason Finlinson |
| Affiliation | World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASP) |
| Allegations | Physical, Psychological, and Sexual Abuse |
| Netflix Documentary | "The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping" |
| Investigation | Lawrence County District Attorney |
| Peak Enrollment | Approximately 600 students |
| Monthly Fees (approx.) | $4,000 per student |
| Annual Revenue (approx.) | Over $20 million |
| Current Status | Abandoned; Property purchased in 2012 by James Ma |
| Notable Involvement | Ritchie (staff member accused of abuse) |
| Reference | Netflix - The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping |
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