Is Your Son in Trouble or Struggling to Cope with Life? Are You Searching for Christian Boarding Schools Near Jasper, Georgia? May We Tell You About a Unique Maritime-Based Christian Boarding School Located in Florida, Instead?

Safe Harbor Maritime Academy is a unique maritime program designed to coach troubled boys in essential life skills and to build character. 

Safe Harbor Maritime Academy is an alternative boys home and Christian boarding school for boys, based in Jacksonville, Florida. Begun in 1984, Safe Harbor has more than 25 years of experience in developing young men of character, integrity, and vision.

The story of Safe Harbor is portrayed in the 2009 movie “Safe Harbor” on the Hallmark Channel, which still airs periodically today. Safe Harbor has been featured nationally in People Magazine, and on CBS This Morning, NBC News Today, CNN, and CBN.

Safe Harbor transforms at-risk teenage boys into mature and capable young men. Boys who find help at Safe Harbor may be struggling from depression, rebellion, behavioral and school problems, minor drug use or trouble with the law, or the upheaval of a major loss in their life. Typically, teens in these situations benefit from a less narrow view of the world, one not so fixated on themselves or keeping up with their peers.

Safe Harbor teaches boating and maritime skills, gives practical life skills, and imparts character in the context of vocational training, all while boys study for their high school diplomas. The boys reside on board boats at this waterfront boarding school. They gain knowledge of boating on the ocean and rivers while building respect for self and others, self-reliance, perseverance, and much more. Each teen who successfully completes Safe Harbor learns to captain his own vessel, both literally and figuratively.

Though you may be searching for a boarding school or boys home in Jasper, Georgia, please consider that the Safe Harbor seamanship experience, joined with the one-on-one attention, counsel and training make an unequaled opportunity for growth and change in behavior.

Boarding School With Year-Round Formal Education, Trades Training and Practical Experience

Teen boys living at Safe Harbor thrive with the stability and structure. We think education goes on for a lifetime and that each boy learns differently. We arrange our academic program to work with a variety of learning styles, which gives boys a chance for success. School takes place year-round, letting students catch up wherever they may have fallen behind academically. Boys who complete the Safe Harbor program receive a high school diploma, and many go on to colleges of their choice.

At Safe Harbor, practical knowledge holds as much weight as academic knowledge. In addition to all aspects of boating and seamanship, we give vocational training in several topics, such as woodworking, scuba diving, navigation, log keeping and map reading, welding, engine repair, and basic electrical work.

We also know boys should be competent in basic life skills. Residents of Safe Harbor are taught to balance a checkbook and handle checking and savings accounts responsibly, find employment using appropriate resume and interview skills, understand basic nutrition, and handle laundry and housekeeping tasks, to name just a handful of the topics we cover. Our goal is to make your boy respectful, self-reliant, confident, and competent.

Christ-Centered Program — Because Change Comes from the Heart

Safe Harbor teaches teens practical lessons based on the biblical book of Proverbs, and our overall principles are grounded in God’s Word. We encourage boys to ask the meaningful questions about life and find out the answers for themselves.

Concerning counseling, our program uses group and individual counseling, both from a mental health professional and from a pastoral counselor. The small enrollment in our program ensures plenty of interaction time with professional staff and mentors.

Residents At the Safe Harbor Boarding School Come from All Over the U.S., Including from Families in Jasper, Georgia.

Because of the distinctive nature of the program, we draw residents from all across the country, including from Jasper, Georgia. Safe Harbor is like no other boarding school or boys home and gives boys a transforming opportunity and an adventure that cannot be duplicated in Jasper, Georgia. As you continue your search in Jasper, Georgia and elsewhere, thank you for looking at Safe Harbor Maritime Academy situated on the East Coast in Jacksonville, Florida.

To find out more, we invite you to investigate the remainder of our website, then fill out our online inquiry form or contact us directly at (904) 757-7918.

What Parents Say About the Safe Harbor Boarding School for Boys

Safe Harbor has been our salvation. –Carolyn (mother)

Safe Harbor has been a life saver for him and me. –Susan (mother)

Robbie, we can’t thank you and Doug enough for all the time and energy all of you have invested in our son. Our boys are a precious gift from our Lord and Savior. It means so much that you all view him and treat him with the same respect. It has been incredible to see the Lord’s hand throughout this experience. I am looking forward to see how the Lord continues to work in his life. –Parents of a graduate

I just can’t thank you enough for all you have done for our family. –Father of graduate

I am just soooo excited my son was blessed with this opportunity. Today was the first Sunday in years that I know our son has a clear vision. From being scared to enlightened feels wonderful. –Lisa (mother)

Well, if you ask us how our son is doing we would both smile and say GREAT! –Mother

I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate what all of you at Safe Harbor are doing for us. –Parent

Each of us are truly grateful for the program which you have developed and what a positive impact and turn around you have made in our son’s life. He especially tells of all the good which you helped developed in him. –Parent

Thank you for not only being a part of his life, but being instrumental in it! Through you, God has changed the course of his life . . . he is able to cope with life, has a work ethic, and seems to be flourishing in the Army. I am amazed at his turn around every time I talk to him. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for you. You were truly a God-send to my family. –Dad of a graduate

My son is now a joy to have around and helps with the dogs and the house. We are grateful for Safe Harbor and the integrity, discipline, and morals which you taught our son. He stands tall, he is respectful, happy, and healthy. –Parents

Thanks for all you do. I am pleased my son is at Safe Harbor. –Parent