For students whose stay may be brief, school staff encourage them to bring their existing books and assignments from their hometown school. The staff then monitors students progress to help them stay current with their course work. Students in the Adolescent Residential Treatment Program, Eating Disorders Program, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders Treatment Center attend school from two to six hours Monday through Friday. To prepare for returning home, students may also attend local Topeka schools to hone their behavioral and social skills in larger classes. The educational program at Menninger offers a wide range of subjects for elementary, middle school, and high school students.
Class sizes are small, giving students and teachers the opportunity for individual instruction.
Southard School includes a library and media center to complement students' course work. The school year runs from late August through early June. Students continue their regular course work during the seven-week summer session in June and July. Credits earned by students readily transfer to their school in their home community. Course descriptions are available upon request from Menninger.