The Interpreted Rock

By Stephen C. Schultz Vertical thinking is a problem-solving approach that involves a logical, step-by-step process to reach a solution. It is characterized by: Structured Reasoning : Following a sequential path, where each step builds on the previous one. Focus on Accuracy : Emphasizing correctness and adherence to established rules or patterns. Analytical Approach : Breaking down problems into smaller parts and analyzing them systematically. Exclusion of Alternatives : Narrowing down options rather than exploring diverse possibilities. Please allow me to introduce you to Oxbow Academy. The administration team has been working with teens who demonstrate Problematic Sexual Behaviors (PSB) since 2001. The very specialized and clinically sophisticated evaluation process of Oxbow was launched in 2007. Oxbow offers treatment for sex specific issues and provides evidence based and data informed care for each student. Oxbow Academy is on the cutting edge of research and ...

By Stephen C. Schultz The clouds were low and gray. A few drops tapped the bill of my hat as I pushed the mower along the edge of the sidewalk. The smell of damp, cut grass filled the air, and a slight breeze blowing from the west let me know a rain shower was on its way. It was the middle of the morning, and I felt a bit of pressure to get the lawn mowed before the storm rolled in. So, I was focused and moving at a little quicker pace than normal. I looked up and saw three of the neighbor kids climbing in one of my trees. I kept the mower going and moved closer to the tree. On my way towards them, they noticed that I saw them. They looked away and then glanced back at me with that childhood curiosity that screams: “Is he going to tell us to get down? Are we going to get in trouble? Will he tell our parents?” In the fifty feet it took me to get to the tree, I also had a flood of thoughts. I recalled many instances in my childhood climbing trees and having make-believe adventures ar...

By Stephen C. Schultz Many young adults today—typically between the ages of 18 and 26—find themselves contemplating mental health treatment of some kind. This realization often emerges as they struggle to maintain academic performance while balancing partying, gaming, or other high-stimulation activities. Some flunk out of college and return home. Others graduate high school, remain with their parents, and move from job to job without fully transitioning into adulthood. From a trauma-informed and neurodivergent perspective, these patterns are not simply about immaturity or defiance. They are often adaptive responses to overwhelm, executive functioning challenges , unmet support needs, or chronic stress. When coping strategies begin to fail, pressure from family increases, relationships become strained, and symptoms such as anxiety, depression, emotional shutdown, or irritability may intensify. Over time, this pattern is commonly labeled “ failure to launch .” When circumstances esca...

 By Stephen C. Schultz At Oxbow Academy, we’re redefining what education can look like. Our academic program is one of the most innovative systems anywhere, designed to meet students where they are and help them move forward with confidence. Spend just a couple of minutes with us and see how learning takes on new meaning at Oxbow Academy. When you think of school, what comes to mind? Probably classrooms, teachers, lectures, chalkboards, projectors, tests, semesters, class periods, and ringing bells. You might even picture hall monitors, food fights, tardy slips, and cramped lockers. In that traditional model, time is the constant — five days a week, sixteen weeks per semester, two semesters a year, with a summer vacation in between. Time moves forward no matter what, while learning becomes the variable . But what if we turned that idea upside down? What if we made learning the constant and time the variable ? That’s exactly what we do at Oxbow Academy. Each student begins at thei...