The History of Summit Achievement
Three Decades of Guiding Growth
Since 1996, Summit Achievement has been a leader in residential treatment for adolescents. Located in the mountains of western Maine, Summit was built on a foundation of clinical excellence, academic rigor, and adventure therapy — a model that continues to guide families toward lasting change.
The Beginning
Summit Achievement was founded by Chris Mays, Candide Kane, Adam Tsapis, Will White, and Andy Richardson, who shared a commitment to helping young people through a different kind of care. Each founder left a lasting mark on the program, shaping our values and approach. Will White went on to influence the broader field of Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare through his book Stories From the Field: Demystifying Wilderness Therapy and the Stories From the Field Podcast.
Over nearly 30 years, countless students, families, and staff members have contributed to Summit’s growth and character. Their collective efforts have built the program into what it is today.
Leading The Way
From the beginning, Summit prioritized family involvement. Students have maintained weekly contact with their families — not through letters, but via phone and video conferencing. Family therapy sessions, on-campus visits, and overnight stays in nearby North Conway, New Hampshire, are regular components of treatment, strengthening relationships throughout the process.
Summit’s academic program is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and licensed by the state of Maine as a private boarding school. Students earn transferable credits, and Summit can honor work completed at other institutions to issue combined credit. For students who choose to finish their high school education at Summit, diplomas are awarded on campus.
Continued Innovation
Summit has been a consistent contributor to research in the field of Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare. Student data has been included in de-identified research conducted by the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Council Research Cooperative, and Summit’s independent research is publicly available.
Summit is also fully accredited by the Association for Experiential Education/Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Council, a distinction held by few programs in the field.
We continue to lead with integrity, innovation, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every student who walks through our doors.