10 years ago I was searching for some affordable Christian programs that had more things to offer then the average Christian program. I owned my own company (A Bridge Of Hope) helping families find programs for their troubled teens that needed out of home placement. As an advocate for families I was very picky about placing a teen in a program without going and living in the program for a few days and having access to talk to the teens myself. I called up Agape Boarding school and asked if I could come for a visit they were happy to have me come visit them. I since have been placing teens in their program with great results. Agape has unique options such as trades for the teens and they really teach these boys how to become awesome young men! The staff have such gifted hearts and desires for working with teens. They love those boys and care deeply for their families and lives are changed because of it. I would recommend Agape to anyone that has a teen that needs out of home placement. read more

Shiiiii I was there for like 2 years and den they last minute tried making it grouped homes but that ain't work so I ran away and came to Oklahoma it's been not a year an a half but now I am actually just looking on how to the agape boarding school yearbooks!! read more

I thought I should write a review not as a former student or as a parent, but as a sibling. My brother was sent here back in 1999-2000. It was a very sad time for our family as my mom was a single working mom trying to raise 2 kids. My mom is not a subpar parent either....we were raised going to catholic school and had an amazing support system around us...my brother just got mixed with the wrong set of friends which created a slippery slope for him. I went to visit my brother one time while he was in this place and I will never forget it. I cried that entire time watching how this place operates. I knew it wasn't a good place but my brother was not allowed to inform of us of anything until he was out. EVERYTHING is monitored. Your mail, your phone calls...everything. My brother got put on the wall (this is where they make you stand facing the wall all waking hours...even while you eat) just for asking someone for a pencil without his big brother (mentors for new students) present. He was on the wall for 2 weeks for that. I chose to not go back to visit until his graduation and I couldn't wait to hug him and hear from him what really goes on in this place. But here is the thing...we never got much out of him. He was so traumatized that he still to this day won't speak about this place. I tried asking him questions for years and he would just say that he wouldn't send his worst enemy there. Horrible things go on there and then he would just shut down and say he didn't want to talk about. I will say that he did graduate on honor role but then again my brother has always been exceedingly intelligent. He came home and was about to go right back down the same path until HE decided he didn't want to anymore. The school did not help him...I just wish my mom had a better knowledge on what to do instead of being brainwashed by family and friends to send him here. I have a few friends who also happened to go here and they have been way more vocal with me about what goes on in this place and it is awful!! I would ask my brother if he witnessed these things and he said yes. Abuse...physical...sexual...you name it...it is happening here. "Ma'am" (that is what you called the lady in charge) scared the living daylights out of me. I feel so sad my brother had to experience this for 3 years! I can't even imagine the trauma he has sustained from it that he can't even speak about it 20 years later. Breaks my heart. read more

They have finally closed!!!! Thank goodness! This place was a devastating pit of abuse. I am not speaking as former student, a sibling or a parent. I am speaking as the wife of a former student. My husband had the unfortunate experience of attending this horrible "school" for five years. Every review here documenting the abuse is absolutely accurate so I won't rehash it but let's talk about the long term repercussions. Because of this violent hell hole my husband has major PTSD. He has been treated for depression, anger issues and anxiety. He fought drug addiction and thankfully came through it. Thankfully now he has overcome his abuse and become a successful husband and father, but the cloud of what he went through at Agape hangs over us always. When we first got together he had no idea how to communicate, have a healthy relationship or even how to eat correctly. We would sit down at dinner and he wouldn't speak, put his head down and shovel in his food because he had never been allowed a relaxing meal. He was beaten down at this institution, he was humiliated, he was destroyed and he was given nothing for it. This has caused him a lifetime of issues and struggles. It has caused challenges in our marriage that didn't have to be there. It's been well over 20 years since my husband escaped Agape and he still fights the repercussions. I am so sorry for every boy that went through what my husband did. They have burdened these men and their families with a lifetime of challenges. read more

This school has had a history of abuse trailing through multiple states and they hide it all underneath the guise of a religious institution. I was a student (15yrs old) at this school and my first night there I was thrown on my back by a staff member and punched in the face multiple times. It took 3 staff to pull this staff member off me. All this happened because my arms were too weak to do the pushups I was given as a punishment, and I had said Gosh. No formal report was taken and my family was not told about the incident. That same staff member would continue to threaten to "knock me out" after that if he saw me smiling or laughing. He apparently didn't like my teeth, and they bothered him. Or at least that's what he said. He would run up to me and grab my shirt with his other fist clenched, and yell "you better hide those teeth before I knock them out." Agape denies such stories and says that any of us that claim such things are just disgruntled ex-students. But to Agape's demise, there's countless ex-students and ex-staff members that have come forward sharing their stories. I am just one of hundreds of guys that have gone through this school and come out with a long list of issues. Thankfully I've found a way to navigate life despite those few years of being at Agape that left me with severe PTSD. I've had countless friends from the school that have committed suicide, turned to drugs, and just hate God all together because of what happens at Agape. If you're a parent reading this and you don't know what to do with your son. I can only imagine how helpless you must feel to consider having a bunch of strangers take over raising your kid for you. But no matter how pretty a picture Agape's marketing and the Agape staff paint, I can assure you, it is nothing like that once they get their hands on your kid. They will drive you and your child further apart, and their only goal is to keep your child in their program as long as possible. The longer they have your kid the more money they make. Charging around $4,000 a month per kid, and having around 150 kids in their program, that's $7M+ a year. This is a for profit school. They are not incentivized to "fix" your kid. If they are able to turn your kid into a respectable young man after a month, they will still aim to keep him there till he graduates. Google search Kansas City Star and Agape. Even the legislators in Missouri are standing up against these kinds of schools. read more

Don't be fooled, this place is an absolute nightmare. I was there from 2003-2005, graduated valedictorian, yada yada, but I won't lie- it's essentially a purgatory run by fanatics. Any "parent" who thinks otherwise is delusional, or isn't a "parent" at all. The vast majority of "parents" who sent their children here simply don't want to be parents, and see Agape as an easy, simple way out of parenting. Send your kid away and let others deal with them. MOST of the boys there don't belong there in the first place. You can tell by the way the parents act when they visit, and the fact that most of them come from Southern California- a good indicator of the "my teenager is hindering my social life" type of "parent". "Christian jail" is about right.... Run and managed by some well-intentioned, and some brutally evil people. They have a carpeted room where they beat the snot out of kids from reasons ranging to "looking at their daughter" to "talking back". They've broken bones and dislocated shoulders doing so, along with slamming kids into the ground. Trust me, I'm not sour or bitter about it, I'm just explaining the reality. I was a junior staff member there, minded my P's and Q's, and didn't experience the horrors some other kids had to deal with. There are a few good, caring staff, but the majority are similar to officers of Nazi Germany- taking orders, restraining kids and beating the snot out of them "for their own good". There's a reason this place is located in Missouri. And this is coming from an advocate of strict parenting... Agape just goes too far. From my experience, it hasn't actually "helped" any of the kids that were sent there, except for the feeble minded and those who were on the literal brink of death. And before you think your kid is "uncontrollable" or "rebellious", you really need to view that objectively, relative to ALL other boys their age. Unless they're actually killing people or shooting up heroin, they don't belong here. BE A BETTER PARENT- it will be far better for them in the long run. By "purgatory" I mean that, this will simply delay your child's actions- it won't "change" them. They'll burn the most critical years of their development "waiting" to leave and go right back to what they were doing. It doesn't make them mature or learn, it simply delays that process. Do the right thing and sit your son down and talk about it. Be a good parent and discipline them properly so they don't have to go through a horrible experience like this... Agape stunts the growth and maturity of 95% of kids there. (5% really do belong there and need help). This is NOT a "boarding school." This is jail. If you want to harm your children and don't want to take responsibility for your parenting, you can send them here. They'll remember that for the rest of their lives read more

I just brought my son home from Agape Boarding School. He was in there for over a year. He has grown up and has started taking responsibility for his actions. When I sent him there he was abusing drugs, stealing and not caring about school. This program has helped him by giving him real purpose and self pride. It taught him things I could have never taught him. The staff is caring and warm. They are strict and provide a safe environment. This is a great place for your son if you are like me and are out of options and need a desperate change to save your son's life. I especially want to thank Brother Brian and Brother Julio for the time and love you invested in my son. You really do make a difference! read more

I'm sure the school will be quick to shoot down this review, and characterize me as a bitter trouble making ex-student. I'll start by debunking that argument before it even starts. I graduated from this school as valedictorian after about 2 1/2 years of hard work (I challenge the staff to question this as I'm sure I have the video of my speech stored somewhere along with other indisputable evidence that this is true). I was successful in the program, and I even stayed on as staff briefly after graduation. One would assume that I, of all students, would have wonderful things to say about this school. I do not. The negative effects of this school aren't always noticed right away. The reason for this is because of the high concentration of indoctrination that goes into the daily life of the student. Staff often refer to this as molding the character of the student in biblical principles. That sounds so much better than indoctrination, but don't let flowery words deceive you. Hiding behind these "biblical principles" is an incredibly effective way to get people to accept brainwashing, and it allows this school to operate without government regulation. The general public already has a very vanilla view of christianity. Make no mistake that the christian doctrine practiced here is closer to Westboro Baptist Church than it is to your local friendly congregation. So what are the dangers of being indoctrinated? I think the most dangerous aspect is that you lose the ability to think for yourself. Your mind is forced into accepting a foreign reality as true, which causes you to lose sight of who you are as an individual. This results in students conforming to the system with a metaphorical gun to their heads. They know what to do, but they do not know why they do it. The ability to question authority is not always a bad thing. It is just inconvenient when you are the one being questioned. I'm sure parents are overjoyed when their son comes back, and listens to what they are told. They may even write a glowing review in their excitement. However, few people understand that the best case scenario is that the program creates a robot that succeeds to go through the motions within a certain set of circumstances. This programming will naturally lose its effectiveness as time passes and the success rate goes way down when the individual has to adapt to new circumstances to make their own decisions. It is like prisoners who fail to integrate back into society because they are so used to the structure of the prison system. Other negative effects that I have personally experienced include feelings of mistrust, abandonment, anti-social behavior, suicidal thoughts, inability to connect with others, inability to admit weakness, unhealthy obsession with work ethic, over independence, and the list goes on. Some of those effects might even seem like a positive to you. What is wrong with having worth ethic, and independence? Working hard is awesome until you work yourself into sickness, and you feel too guilty to enjoy time off. Being independent is awesome until you can't bring yourself to depend on other people or share your feelings in a healthy way. Take into account that I think of myself as lucky given the circumstances. There was a very real possibility of spiraling out of control after returning to the real world, but I fell into a job opportunity where I could work all the time. I worked so much that I didn't have the energy to face the problems, and it became my escape from real life. This carried on when I started my own business. It wasn't until years had passed that I started to truly realize the harm the school had done to me. I'm barely trying to start dealing with these problems in a healthy way. In fact, I found out hours ago that there are support groups for people with "boarding school syndrome". Do not believe the claims that "99 out of 100" have a positive experience, but they never take the time to write something positive. Out of the 200-ish students I knew I would say that 1 or 2 others have turned their negative experience into something really positive. Few of the others are doing okay. Most of them describe their happiness and success as questionable at best. At the bottom of that spectrum are ex-students that are in prison, deceased from suicide, or deceased from other illegal activity. To Parents: Do not be fooled into thinking this is your last chance to save your son. The low odds of your son gaining a few benefits from this experience are vastly outweighed by a life time of scarring. Take responsibility for your actions as a subpar parent and put in the leg work to raise your child. You cannot dump the blame entirely on your kid. This school should never be an option. To Staff: You should be held accountable for all the lives you've destroyed, but I can only implore you to stop this and leave. Your actions are more damaging than you know. read more

As a former student who was here for 3 years, this place will damage your child mentally and physically in the long term. A lot of horrible things happen or have happened at this place and it's either covered up or swept under the rug. If you are a parent looking to send your child to get help and change his life, this is not the place for your child. For more information, please read the Kansas City Star or watch the Hammer Podcast on YouTube with many former student testimonies . This review will be probably be deleted due to Agape getting it taken down like many other reviews but I just want the abuse to stop. read more

I was a student at Agape in 2005 for 19 months. I'll start by saying I was a troubled teen. Out of control in every sense of the way. I needed a place to go for my safety and sanity, as well as that of my families. Now, with that being said I give a rating of two stars strictly due to the effectiveness of this facility and the staff to temporarily hold a young man like myself, and keep him from harming himself or others. This however comes at the cost of much mental abuse, belittling, indoctrination, and at times physical abuse. I was a pretty low risk student while I was there. I myself only was asked to do push-ups once. But what I saw and heard happen to those around me was unjustifiable. At the same time, I was still referred to as a "retard" and called "stupid" quite often. I was told unless I accepted their doctrine I was doomed to hell, and many other outrageous things. I left agape with more issues, depression, and hate than when I arrived. There are many other facilities that have staff who are more concerned about actually helping and more loving that I would recommend you try first. If you simply want to house your son somewhere temporarily, than try it. read more

First off I just wanna say David S. You are so wrong it makes me sick. How dare you defile my friend Gabriel's memory. What gives you the right? Do you have anything better to do than to troll everyone's review ? We'll you never knew me so don't try to write me off like you have EVERYONE ELSE. I have been out of agape for 4 years now I am still traumatized by these people and the people who work/worked there. When i came back I was desperate to make up for "lost time" as I'm sure many other of my comrades were and it lead me down a dark road. It took me a long time to stop trying to relive the past. And still to this day, the rage & anger I feel against you for manipulating my parents into spending most of college fund is almost unbearable. I lost a year of my life to you I hope you get what you deserve no god is gonna save you. DONT SEND YOUR KIDS HERE read more

It looks like Agape changed their name to Stockton Boys Home. Please know that I am talking about the same place. They just changed the name. Anyways, I was at Stockton Boys Home (Agape) in 95-96. I'm 35 years old now, a licensed attorney, I have a beautiful Christian wife and God's peace. However, that was still the worst year of my life. It left numerous scars (emotionally and spiritually...not physically) that took a long time to heal. When I left there, I was 17 years old and angry at everyone, especially God. After Agape, I turned to alcohol to numb myself. I spent 13 years after Agape trying to drink myself into an early grave. 5 years ago, I turned my life over to Christ. Since then, I have been put on a path to bring justice to children who have none. That being said, I was not given justice at Agape. I went there as an exceptional student (grade-wise, definitely not behavior-wise). They did not have the necessary tools for someone in advanced classes. Basically, I did not learn anything new from the 2nd half of my junior year in high school to graduation. Praise God for blessing me with His wisdom, because I have since finished a Law Degree, a Master's Degree and a Bachelor's. The education system is a big concern at Agape. Another concern is the way that students are forced into intimacy with God. I have learned that intimacy with my Lord and Savior is a precious and important time. However, the Lord wants those of us who choose to meditate on His word. I could be mistaken, but I don't believe there is anywhere in the Bible where people are forced into intimacy with the Lord (reading Scripture, meditating, prayer, etc.). This is a privilege, not a chore. Also, it is true that there are many power hungry staff members at Agape. Again, this was almost 20 years ago, so this might have changed. However, it seems as though the Clemensons still run the place. Without naming names or gossiping, my personal feeling is that sometimes power can corrupt even the people with the best intentions. This can lead to injustice and a manipulation of God's Word for man's gain. There was a reason why the state of Washington kicked out Agape. I was there when it happened. Our heat was shut off in the middle of the winter (of course the staff's heat wasn't), and we moved to California. After that, I believe they were persuaded to leave California, but this is an opinion, not fact. Further, another concern is with the punishment system. I actually believe in the corporal punishment (spankings), as these are swift forms of justice with a lasting memory. Physical pain is much different than mental anguish. If they are still using the "no talking" and taking away student's shoes, this needs to stop. These are degrading forms of punishment that serve to embarass the student and degrade them at the same time. There is no reason to take the natural tendency to talk away from a teenage boy. Finally, the worst part of Agape is that it is an all boys school. Taking a teenage boy away from girls for a year or more is just asking for mental instability in their adult years. I missed out on prom, dances, dates, romance, etc. Now that I am married to the woman of my dreams, that time seems like a distant nightmare. However, at the time, it was very real. No teenage boy should ever be deprived of teenage girls (I'm not talking about sexual immorality, which I am against... marriage is the only place for physical intimacy on that level). To conclude, I would look into other options before sending my son to Agape. I completely understand that I was causing major problems in my life, and the lives of those closest to me. My parents felt that they did not have an alternative. However, as I've stated above, there are just some things that parents should not deprive their children of. The State, and Federal governments have the right to deprive us of our freedom (if we break the law), but our parents should not have that right. There are reasons why children behave the way they behave. For the most part, it is damage that was done by the parent. My father walked out on our family when I was 8. At that moment, I went from a kind young boy, to an angry young terror. I acted out for years. Then, when I was 16 years old, I had a car, a job, and a girlfriend (plus a 3.1 GPA), my dad drove me up to Agape in Washington. It took me years to forgive my dad for leaving us. It took me years to forgive both parents for sending me there. Only God can heal us, as He did me. It can't be forced though. Parents need to find the root of their child's anger/bad behavior. I firmly believe (and wish I had the statistics to back it up, besides my own personal experience), that it's MAINLY a result of the parent's past behavior/mistakes. Thank you for reading this. Please find an alternative method for getting your son the help he needs. The Lord will provide a way. God Bless you and your son! read more

Every now and then I check the web for updates to Agape. I attended Agape from 2001-2002 as a sophomore in High School and boy was I in for a rude awakening. From what i can see on the internet, the school has changed tremendously and seems to be moving in the right direction for new students. Like many of my peers who attended this school during my time, we can all testify that this was one of our most difficult times in our then short lived life and I can only speak to what I experienced. For those that do not know, Agape is a independent, fundamental, baptist church which positions them very conservatively, I would say too conservative. With the daily chapel services and the Full Sunday run down of the gospel, religion felt forced! I understand Agapes intentions were all good but to a student at the time, this is way too much! Soo much that it pushed me away from religion but it did not push me away from believing there was one God and a higher power does exist. The ONE thing that motivated me when I was at Agape was succeeding at school and not because I wanted to gain knowledge but more because my parents "promised" me an exit once I finish my schooling. Agape utilizes self pace schooling which is done more independently at the students own pace. This allows for some students to take advantage of there "free time" doing pace work and finishing quicker. During my time there, I was low key and did not cause much trouble but from time to time I found myself on the wall which is a form of punishment. I am not sure what kind of punishment is being implemented now a day but the punishment experienced during my time(2001) was very severe and could even be considered assault. Let me make this clear, you were only punished if you did wrong and I did not see unjust beatings. All in all, I did not learn or care much for religion but what I did learn was to respect your elders and more importantly, respect yourself. Overall, would I send my kid to Agape one day? That questions remains unanswered as I have never been in that position and til you find yourself in those parents shoes, its hard to give a definitive answer. read more

I was a student there for a year. All I am going to say is that this "school" should not be operating . Do not send your kids there

Everything Wayne Lee said is true. I was there the whole time he was. He was actually the captain of my dorm. Wayne has to much integrity to lie like that. And for all the parents reading these reviews? Notice how offensive this Representative from agape gets after every review. It can't be a lie if every review is saying the same thing. Don't send your kids here, you'll just drive them further away from where you want them. Thats is my two cents. Take it as you will. P.S. you should also Google agape boarding school. You will find hundreds of more reviews having to do with mental abuse. And not to mention mis-use of physical restraint. read more

The experience felt more or less like that of a penitentiary. Finally turned 18 and on the second day, after a year and a half of mind games, bullying, and harassment choose to finally leave. Brian Clemenson himself told me to my face I would not graduate if I choose to leave and that such a choice would ensure my permanent loss of a high school diploma. I didn't listen, and walked out regardless. Brian himself took it upon himself to take out personal items from my luggage as I was vacating the premises, and didn't even give me a dollar let alone any food for the long trek he knew I had to make with no help back to Virginia. It was January 17th, and undoubtedly the worst time to walk out but nothing was gonna stop me. After getting dropped off per Brian's orders at a random truck stop in Missouri with no food, water, money, or even phone from him, I made it back to Virginia in less then 2 days. If God wasn't with me the entire time I don't believe I would have made it through Chicago, and some other very rough places unharmed, and we'll fed, with transportation guaranteed. After only 4 months of being home I graduated with my class earlier then even expected at agape, and am now admitted to Penn State with all of no thanks to this sorry excuse for a human being. read more

UPDATE: My son went back to Agape a 2nd time after being home for 6 months. While he was at home he failed to go to school and was going to drop out. This was not our agreement and so back to Agape he went and graduated High School in less than 3 months there. While organizing plans to have him back everyone was so helpful and quick to get everything ready. I love Agape!!! They are forever part of our family!! read more

I forsure had a pretty rough time when I was at agape. I was definitely bullied and the staff were 100% condoning it. I was a pretty tough kid but didn't want to stand up for myself because the consequences wouldn't have been worth it. They put kids who have been there longer in charge of other kids who some times take advantage of that instead of taking them under their wing. If you can't do the hundreds of push ups they make you do, they will restrain you aka ( beat your ass in the all padded room). You will come back up bruised and black and blue, no exaggeratin! I did find God while I was there however it was probably because I was in such a dark time in my life I felt no where else to turn. I got out and progressively got worse ending up in juvenile hall, to county jail, to then prison. Not saying that's agapes fault I was out of control, just letting you know it started there. I am doing great now, rebuilding my life and back in church and A.A. But parents please find another alternative than this! read more

My son went to Agape Boarding School back in 1994 when the school was located in Othello, WA. I was trying to help him get over some very severe anger problem and sending to this place was the worst mistake I could have ever made. I was not allowed to see or talk to him for a given time and I agreed to this (I should have not). When I did get to see him, we were followed and monitored and my son was nervous and he told me what I was allowed to say. I ate meals with him and on a one visit, he said that the meals that we were eating were not the meals that they normally ate when parents were not present. They were given cereal on a regular basis that had bugs and worms in them and the food that was donated was usually eaten by staff members or by visiting parents. My son also spoke with about beatings that took place behind building by children when one of the children tried to run. The children were also locked in the dorms at night with the locks on the outside of the building. They had the boys cleaning out asbestos from some of the old buildings with no protection. These are just a few of the things that I know about. My son refuses to this day to tell me what all transpired at that school. I got a call on morning very early from a state agency stating that I needed to come immediately to the school and pick up my son or he would be placed with the State. They were closing the school down for many infractions. I went to get my son and spoke with many of the parents who had stories similar to mine. When I asked if they wanted to go speak to a lawyer, they stated they were afraid of retaliation from the school and declined. Please stay away from this school. It harmed my son and took him years to recover. I know from reading reviews that he is not the only one. read more

My son went here for three months in 1996. If I could give negative stars I would. When I went to visit him, in three months he looked like a skeleton and emotional wreck. they use punishment tactics that are inhumane....standing face first to the wall for literally hours at a time, physical abuse. As soon as we left, after dropping him off, the staff members beat him up. Horrible horrible place and "all in the name of God". How sick is that! read more

A lot of people are desperate for help and seek it, but then they want it on their OWN terms and by their OWN standards. If those had worked, then they wouldn't still need the help. My son is currently at Agape. He has had his complaints..., but not often, and believe me, no one was more defiant. He KNOWS Agape has saved his life, in more ways than one. When we discuss the past he says, "Mom, I was twisted then." Agape has helped him grow in many ways, and succeed without medications. He has some good relationships with staff, he has confidence and has learned humility. I am very proud of him and thankful for Agape. read more

Looney spoke the truth. 5 stars because I graduated high school at agape (you guys still haven't sent my diploma). But let's just be honest. Agape is a great BUSINESS. Parents pay a lot of $ to change their troubled child(ren). Yet, all they (Agape, not as a school, but as a business) did was use these kids as slaves of physical labor, which resulted in profitable gains (maybe not immediately or even monetarily, but eventually and ultimately). I always thought it was deceiving how they had us act a certain way in front of families. Always knew that it's a bad idea to have a bunch of young kids rebuild the whole school after the tornado in may 2003. Think about it. A massive line of over 100 kids passing sharp roof sheets, or picking up insulation with barehands, knowing that there isn't any running water to shower afterwards. But the big realizations happened after I left the school. To list what agape did/does wrong can be very subjective, especially coming from an old student. But for this yelp review and as a follow up for John K., I'll touch on a few inconvenient truths. Let's just be honest. Agape is such a great business which I would love to own one day. Money from the families :: more than enough to sustain the business and still gain tremendous profit each month. But everything they do is for free, resulting in nothing but more profit on top of profits. All the food is practically donated by sysco. The huge lot of land with it's own lake, mountain, etc. Donated. Tornado came and left the school in a pile of trash 4 feet high. Since we had more than enough manpower to rebuild the campus, church, dorms, homes of the staff members, etc. They had a few "trusted" students go into town and help clean trees, insulation, glass, etc. Then I saw what I shouldn't have. Me and 6 other trusted students hauled a whole container (the 1 for those 18 wheeler semis) full of firewood that was chainsawed by brother Steve for 6 hours. We got 2 hot dogs for lunch and a can of soda, while agape got a "check." No need to disclose the amount. Anybody who has worked for a living understands that free labor = free $. Not only were the kids free labor, but we had no choice or an option to voice our opinion. It was either you do it agape's way or you lose privileges like your shoes, or Kool aid, or even the freedom to walk anywhere you want. I was a "trusted" student. I did every PACE curriculum POSSIBLE, that there wasn't any reason for an 18 year old to stay there. So I left. But during my time there I was sobering up. I thought life was just horrible being sober and hated how comparable our lifestyle at agape is/was to imprisonment. I got to experience things like going to recycling centers, nursing homes, survival school, etc which the average student that attended agape, never got to experience or even knew about. Ultimately, my experience at agape did help me appreciate the little things in life like laughter and I did "graduate high school," but now realize that there was a price to pay for it :: normal childhood. Still haven't been to a graduation or a prom in my life. More than likely will never have a physical paper diploma hanging on my wall. Did someone say a reunion? Yea right. I don't even like talking about high school experiences because I graduated from a "boarding" schooling in middle-of-nowhere, MO. (As far as racism against non-white minorities, MO takes it by a mile) Anyways, 5 stars agape. Would I ever go back? No. Definitely not as a student. Not even as a guest. Would I ever send my son? No. If parents feel like their kid needs agape because of reason X, Y, & Z, then why would you have your kid in a facility full of other students with problems X, Y, & Z? Get it? Should parents of current students bring their kids back home? No. Then you'd be wasting everything times 2. Time. Money. Effort. As soon as your boy gets home, he's going to pick up right where he left off. It's on him to decide what to do with his life. Not GOD. Not agape. As successful as I am today, definitely didn't need a high school diploma so to each their own. R.I.P. C.Kim & M.Cullen (both ex-blue shirts @ agape) If anyone wants to do a full on interview about my time at agape in more details (you would have to be the 1st one willing to go public about it), then feel free to reach out to me. read more

sorry this is so long - Three Part review - stay with me First let me start off by saying - back in the day I was the Agape Rah Rah Cheerleader. Until my blinders were off and saw them for what they really were. Now they call me the disgruntled ex parent. I can't agree or disagree with what the students reviews are because let's face it - what teenage boy wants to go to an all boys boarding school for at risk students. So.... I wasn't there I don't know. But what I can share is my experience from a parent perspective. After my son not receiving some things I sent him I learned quickly to note in his letters what I had sent so that he knew to expect it and if it didn't get there then I had something to work with. Since I started that procedure nothing came up missing that I sent, but... being my son did not do his own laundry, some of his "stuff" did come up missing and when it was time for him to be sent home some of his stuff did not make it home with him. With that being said it is safe to say that there are possibly thieves that work at the school. Can't say for sure but...... During my first visit I am enjoying some time with my son and the enrollment counselor brings a prospective parent to "visit" with my son and I so I can share my experiences with them. Really? I get three days to visit with my son and you want me to sell your school? This happened not only once but twice during my three day visit. Not asking my permission just brought the prospective parents to our table to "visit". That was my first experience with the staff not respecting me or my time with my son. The 2nd incident of disrespect during my first visit was while I was in the restroom, my son is looking at the pictures on my camera (not my cell phone my camera) that we had taken. The staff grabs it out of my sons hands and tells him that he is not allowed to look through the pictures. First of all don't ever grab anything out of my son's hands, 2nd that was not in the rule book and he had every right to look at MY camera at the pictures that WE took during the visit. I did have an opportunity with my son to cook dinner for all the boys and we made chicken parmesan and had a good time doing it. My son struggled academically badly. He would do minimal if any paces (classwork) and would not receive a consequence for this. I am frustrated because this is one of the main reasons I sent him as he was flunking out of school at home. I call the principle (who is very difficult to get in touch with) and discuss my son's academics. He states, oh your son is doing very well, and even quite a head in some classes. I asked are you sure you are looking at my son's records cause his progress reports says he is way behind and not on schedule to complete a years worth of school. The principle didn't quite know what to say - he obviously just wanted to get me off the phone and say what I wanted to hear. That is not why I am paying $3,000 a month to this school. Finally I dangle a carrot in front of my son for school work and he blows it out of the water, I mean doing 8-9 paces a week as opposed to the 1.5 paces a week he was doing, so.... what did the school do? they rewarded him, by allowing him to stay out of school for one and watch movies. The Dean said I can't believe the principle told you that, I was not going to let you know, cause I knew you would blow a gasket. So they know how I am how I react and they a)do it anyway and b) consider not telling me. OK I was "sold" on this school for their "Stellar" academics, weekly counseling and equine therapy. I was thrilled that my son would have opportunities he did not have home. I was widowed and did not marry so to be around all these men and doing manly things and manly/Godly counsel was what the doctor ordered, or so I thought. won't let me add the other two parts maybe tomorrow will try then read more

Fantastic school and staff! My son was on the wrong path and nothing was working. We tried everything from counseling, church programs, public school (nightmare experience with him going deeper and deeper into the IEP or special ed program) home schooling, nothing helped him. Our family was absolutely exhausted when we starting looking into boarding schools. We quickly learned that most boarding schools would not consider him (even military boarding schools) due to his past of running away. After 15 months, the changes in this boy has been a miracle! Our son is less impulsive and foolish. Without Agape he would have had no chance at life. Thank you Agape for everything you guys are doing. I cant even imagine working with 140 of these types of students. read more

I agree with Hannah H. We sent our adopted son to Agape due to issues that we tried to deal with at home, but couldn't. He was failing in school, didn't care about his grades, was abusive at home to his sisters, etc. We tried medication, family therapy, counselling, etc. Agape was our last resort. He's slowly realizing that change has to come from within and that he is responsible for his own actions. We've been out to visit him numerous times and I can honestly say the staff cares about the kids and helping them turn their life around. Yes, they are strict and rules have to be followed, but they're teaching kids about being disciplined and accepting responsiblity for themselves, whether it's in academics or in behavior. Discipline means a loss of privileges. The staff has never been abusive. I like the emphasis on God and church, and I'm sorry that Wisdom couldn't understand that Agape is trying to teach morals as well. I would recommend Agape highly to anyone who is having a difficult time with a rebellious child. read more

It's a school for troubled boys. Very Christian, very structured. It's good for some kids who need this kind of help. I have seen kids enrolled and graduate and be very successful. The place is safe and clean and well organized, They have plenty of help to get the kids back on track and a lot of help with academics. read more

Yeah I want a bible jammed between reason and my brain because reason too early in life can be derailing when doctrine, wisdom and guidance is far more valuable at an impressionable age. That said our son has been attending for 9 months and has had a complete turnaround in attitude, academics and behavior. The greatness only we could see is finally showing through. Thank you Agape for all that you do!! read more

Agape boarding school saved my son, he did incredibly well in their program and we have the son we always knew he could be. Before he went to Agape he was angry, defiant, disrespectful, unaccountable, cheating on school work, stealing money from my wallet, drinking alcohol and smoking vapes. We tried counseling and that didn't work.We had him in a private Christian School and he still was doing all this. I was afraid he would harm himself or someone else. I looked at many other schools and they were crazy expensive, Agape was the most affordable and I liked their program. Sending my son there was one of the hardest things I have ever done but it was all worth it to have my son back. read more

This place has been a blessing to our family. It's taught my son, who struggled to maintain in a general public ed population the value of a relationship with God, his family and a strong work ethic. My son who has been in attendance for a year now is academically achieving a 3.0 gpa (from 2 years behind), has been placed in a leadership position (who previously spent 14 hours a day on video games) and has built respect and trust with the fine gentlemen on staff who have committed their lives to creating a stable loving environment for these boys to grow into men and establish a strong sense of self through service. Our experience has been nothing but positive! I recommend agape to any family struggling to bring their boy back from a brink. read more

My son is presently at Agape' and from our experience thus far I feel my son was headed to jail or worse, had he continued the way he was going. He went to Agape' and has had an attitude to take advantage of the opportunity he has been given. He shows great growth in maturity and acceptance of responsibility. He has built a personal relationship with God and wants to be the person he is capable of being. After 10 years of Doctors and psycologist he is taking no medicines and feels good about himself. I have to contribute this to the program at Agape'. read more

Agape saved our son's life. The students don't like being controlled, but for a parent with an out of control son, this school is a lifesaver. We tried everything, counseling, support groups, help from the church, schools, you name it. Our son was still on a downward spiral and starting to get into drugs, truancy, bad "friends," etc. We tried other schools but he would just go back into his bad habits. This school gave us our good son back. It takes time, it takes support, but it works. I note some reviews from former students. There are parents there almost all the time. I have been there several times and there were always other parents visting. I never saw nor heard of any abuse. The boys will dramatize and, even when things are good, complain. The truth comes out with the kids who stay with the program. It has changed our son's life for the better and has given him the ability to overcome the temptations that were destroying his life. For the parent who loves their son and cannot stand to see him self-destruct, this school can work miracles. His grades are up, his attitude is improved. He is off the path of failure and on the track for success. Thank you, Agape! read more

Shutdown in two states, Washington and California for child abuse they continued their abuse of children during the time I was there. I know have a fissured disc in my back and have since 18 when I left the place. My back broke soon after. It and the PTSD and anxiety I have not just from that place but also what happened in my life overall but mostly from this place and a "Christian Boys Home" my father Bill Harper sent me to before this. Bill transfers people here. I've asked he stop. Instead, he has continued to send kids to abusive schools. I'm taking action and writing a book but it is taking me time. Anyone that wants to help me my email is brettwilliamharper@gmail.com or brettwilliamharper@outlook.com whichever you prefer. It is time people pay for the abuse that Roloff Schools and those associated and those that use his model be made to account for the students they have injured with poor medical staff, no early detection of mental health issues such as mine or help with back issues like the one that ultimately broke my back because of the strenuous hours of load-bearing work they forced on me to build staff homes, pools, and amenities mostly. Unfortunately, it seems at this time I may not have legal recourse to sue so I can have a decent quality of life after what they did but I sure as Hell will see this school closed if it takes me my entire life, a book, news casts, whatever. Sciatica is one of the most painful things you could live with and here I've lived with it 14 years. It has robbed me of my 20's and doing things everyone does, active things. It has cost me so much. WHATEVER YOU DO DONT SEND YOUR KIDS HERE! DONT FUCK THEM UP LIKE ME! -Brett Harper read more

My son at 15 was spinning out of control. Desperate for help, I searched the Internet and called many places. I decided on Agape because of the intense structure, biblical principles, and the affordability. Agape staff proved to truly care about the boys. My son was able to graduate high school. We were very pleased with the program. read more

Have to say I disagree with the other reviews. Agape is a safe enviroment for out of control teenage boys. My son was either going to end up in jail or learn how to control himself. Agape unashamably teaches biblical principals to these young men. Out of fashion in today's society? Absolutely. Agape also requires the young men to exhibit discipline and respect to their teachers and those in authority. Once again, very polically incorrect. I know the Clemensons and the rest of the staff feel a calling to do what they do. It is neither fund nor easy or fun to take on over 100 young men who have typically rejected all authority up until the point they get there. My son graduated high school from Agape and I would send him back again. read more

1. Please check out "The Hammer Podcast" on youtube. Im a former student of this abusive school. They cut off communication from the world and attempt to manipulate you and your family. As a student you usually see through it, as the family members they only see the smile on the face and not the deceit and true intentions under it. The real goal is to separate the bond of the family and the child while they take the money from the family and each time tell them you just need a little bit longer in the "program" to reach your full potential. The school work has no true backing and majority of schools will not actually accept the credits. I had to get a GED when I left home because the schooling had no educational background in my state of New York. They punish you with verbal and physical abuse, they manipulate kids to do stuff so they can say they had no part in it while they literally turn their back so the other students can slam you or hit you while they are "having a cup of water or went to pee." The stories of horrors of this place are outrageous but are covered up by the staff that find ways to report and delete reviews. Please before sending your children here do a true deep dive and listen to students stories not the stories of people that have been blinded by the false smiles they portray I can personally promise you that it will burn a harmful image and a painful darks memory he will live with in the back of his being. read more

I am not a student in this school but it was my husband. He really hate this school. It's been 10 years since he left from this place. But until now, I can feel the scars and hatred that he has for this place. He told me, that you can't listen to any rock or rap music inside the campus because they said it's a devil song. His experience in Agape made him miserable. He doesn't have self-esteem, he has a hard time to socialize, he's scared to make friends, he became narrow minded.. And honestly, it affects us, our marriage and our family because of those miserable experiences that he had from Agape. There are times, my husband just break down and cry because he can't forget those days that spent in Agape. My husband went through a lot of things since he was kid... To all the Parents, please don't send your kids in this school because it won't help them. This school is poisoning the thoughts of the students. Please... I don't want anyone to experience what my husband experienced from them.. I hope I can talk to someone who had a bad experience in this place because I want to help my husband to move on and forget those bad experiences... but I don't know, how and where to start.. I tried so hard to understand and help him to forget it but it didn't work..you guys know better, how to move on.. Thank you. read more

When I was looking for a place to send my son away from the temptations and bad decisions he was making at home, I have to admit I looked at some of these reviews and I am glad that I ignored them. As you can see they are written by students. Of course, they do not want to be in Missouri away from their friends, family and all the things that they took for granted and abused. Most of the kids that go here like my son have loving parents and have given their children everything. Perhaps too much!! I had my first visit to the school recently and found a school that actually does what I wish i could have instilled in my son but was unsuccessful at. A staff and owners who are caring and have a mission to change these boys lives around. After 4 months I found a boy who now trusts in God, has little to no anger, appreciates his family and has a respectful voice. The founders and staff have many, many years of experience. As a result, they have carefully crafted Christian programs and procedures that are administered by truly dedicated teachers who work with the boys on an individual basis. They have the faith, insight and patience to see through the facade and reach your son who is otherwise on a precipice he would fall from to his and your permanent sorrow. They can and will turn your son's life around. The only thing which doesn't matter so much is that my son is really into sports and I wish they had more organized sports. read more

Agape boarding school has changed my sons attitude, work ethic, and direction in life for the positive. The staff really cares about those boys and it shows! I can not say enough about this school. Thank you Agape for all that you do for my son and those boys. read more

lets see, where do I start...... We had some serious issues that outside influences have made very difficult for us. Other adults underminding our authority and making it very difficult to parent our son. Making him think that do anything ,go anywhere, anytime and don't listen to your parents they are too hard on you. Fight for what you want ,don't let them control you.. Well you know what. These adults caused us to loose our son untill we found Agape.. In fact we feel that they almost killed our son. But Agape helped us with all that. Because of Agape and ther immediate concern for a child, whom they do not know but are so willing to help because they have an open heart for these boys and their familys. If we hadn't sent our son to agape we wouldn't be able to write this. My husband and I strongly believe they gave us our son back. Yes there are rules. Agape takes away unnecessary distractions from these boys. Teaches them how to focus and work and gives them a good nights sleep so that they can use there heads in the right way. They are giving them an education, sports, meals, jobs, activities and God. And another chance at having a decent life and a realationship with there families. Agape is helping these boys find their way again. My husband and I went to agape to visit our son while he was there. You can walk in and see all of the boys together. They are calm and have no stress at all what so ever. They are happy. We enjoyed going there to visit our son. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Agape was the school we picked because the staff are magnificant. Very concerned and did everything they could to answer all your questions. It felt right the minute we talked with them. And it was right for our family. They know how to work with your son and they know what to do. Agape is very resonably priced compared to all the other boarding schools that we considered. My son is home now-- YES did you read that --- MY SON IS HOME NOW. Thank you Agape for getting him back for us. In our families eyes the only 2 mistakes that any parent can make is to not choose Agape and or pull your child out of Agape too early. read more

The Agape Boarding School helps each student get back on track spiritually, academically, and behaviorally. I know they want to find a way to help your teen and are willing to discuss price. They have a great facility and do everything they can to connect to the kids. read more