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July 2025 by Jessica Davis
It's not fool-proof. It's difficult. AND, it's worth it. This sums it up. The work at Cookson Hills is important and ever changing. One thing that never changes is that there are children out there who need help. There are parents who struggle with defiant and/or trauma induced kids and they need help. No place is perfect this side of heaven but I have been fully convinced that the people who work here are dedicated to the mission of helping at risk children have a loving school and home where they can heal through therapy (including equine) and learn how to grow through their mistakes in a safe environment.
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December 2024 by Salem Sketches
I was enrolled in this school when I was about 15 (circa 2016) and was there because of my mental health issues. If you are thinking about sending your kid here because they are struggling with some behavioral or mental health issues I would strongly discourage it. The cons outweigh the pros by a massive amount.
The staff has a careless disregard for the kids in their care and I can think of multiple adults who shouldn't have been employed at that school in any capacity. For example:
My house parents. I can remember multiple occasions where the “house dad” got in the faces of kids in his care (including me) and screamed at them until they were in tears. One girl had to flee the van in tears because he wouldn't back off and he acted like he was in the right. When he did it to me I told him repeatedly to please back up/leave me alone and he wouldn't. I ended up having to leave the room because he would not stop. He would also laugh at kids when they were crying and in distress—I remember being extremely distraught and crying and him laughing at me.
I also had an extremely toxic relationship with a girl in the same house—we were best friends and she was very manipulative. The staff knew this and didn't switch one of us out of the house, even when I (and I believe my parents) requested it.
The principal at the time was very unfit to work with troubled kids in ANY capacity. I remember her asking me why I wasn't turning in my work and when I told her I didn't know she proceeded to put me in ISS for multiple days, not allowing me to do schoolwork, so I got even more behind. When I went over her head and spoke with the guy who ran the place he essentially told me it was “tough love.” How is making a struggling student miss more class tough love? She even pulled me out of the final exam before I could finish to place me in ISS to, again, do nothing. I was not given the opportunity to finish this test so I flunked it. It looks like the same principle that did this to me is still employed there, too. I sure hope she doesn't treat her new students like she treated me.
In conclusion, this school is a great option for kids who have no issues but if your kid is struggling mentally or behaviorally I would strongly recommend sending them elsewhere as the staff do not take these issues as seriously as they should. I was there for approximately two years and I believe that it did way more harm than good. They simply are just not equipped to deal with troubled kids and on top of that they don't take any complaints from kids seriously.
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May 2024 by Sierra Hill
The love and acceptance I experienced while living here has been UNMATCHED. Between the houseparents, the counselors, the social workers, the teachers, and the staff overall I can think of so many wonderful things to say! They were human and showed that Christ can really use a person who is willing to help! I had a difficult childhood and even had times when I experienced difficulty when at Cookson. But difficulty is a part of life, anywhere you go really. Cookson truly helped me overcome a lot and experience so much healing. There have been so many transitions I’ve witnessed Cookson go through as they strive to improve their program and increase the impact they can make in the lives that placed in their care. Def a place to look at when searching for somewhere to help a young person at risk!
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April 2024 by Unknown
Very Rude receptionist
edited to add that it’s very unprofessional to assume. I haven’t spoken with your school in 2 weeks! Speaks volumes!
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April 2024 by Lexie Kelly
I absolutely love this place. I was placed here when I was 15. I graduated in 2023. Honestly, I was super scared at first and wanted nothing to do with Cookson. Then, I noticed that everyone was on my team. Every single person wanted me to succeed. That was something I wasn't used to. They didn't even know me at first. No one overlooked me, even with all my trauma. The teachers there are amazing!!! I loved having one on one learning. Cookson Hills gave me a healthy environment to work through all my trauma and also helped me learn what real healthy relationships are. They helped me understand that just because you have trauma and make mistakes doesn't mean you are bad. I am forever grateful for Cookson Hills Christian School!!!! I truly believe in their Moto, It's not fool-proof. It's difficult. And it's worth it. I also love the Christian foundation. These people really know how to show the love of Christ!!!!!!
I also found my forever family at Cookson!!!!!!!! Which I thought would never happen
I am who I am today because I was placed at Cookson!! Cookson Hills has given me so much and helped me become a better person. The Cookson Hills Family will always be apart of me. I will always have a home to go to. I will always have someone to talk to.
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April 2024 by Bailey Asbell
I was sent to Cookson when I was younger for many reasons but mostly due to a dysfunctional family life that had altered my youth in many ways . My dad found Cookson and sent me there and I stayed there for some time . Although I left not on the best of terms , as an adult I have realized that was one of the best decisions over my life . The values and people I met at Cookson have lasted throughout my whole life now .
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January 2024 by Lacey Wagner
If you are looking to add to the family look no further! Cookson Corso has been more then amazing when it come to me and my family picking out Capone! After many hours of conversations and many many pictures and videos as well as updates along the way we were able to bring the most perfect boy home!Not only do they have amazing blood lines The temperament and our puppy is truly amazing I couldn’t be happier with our boy and the Cookson family!Not only are they an awesome dog breeder they are wonderful dog owners and keep in touch no matter what! As well as train dogs they have my Emmylou right now and she’s already learned so much! I can’t wait to get her back!
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January 2024 by Bennie moreland
I was dropped there when I was real young and didn't return to my parents until I was 11 I stayed with some really good people they were the Shubert's
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September 2023 by Canyon VanSandt
good soup
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August 2023 by John Thurstenson
Are you looking for ROI in your giving? You should be and you cannot beat Cookson Hills for real lasting ministry impact. They are breaking the cycle of family dysfunction and having an eternal impact on so many life stories.This is a great place to work, volunteer, and give. The people there are mission centered and love the Lord and the kids He sends them to love.
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July 2023 by Deborah S Peterson
I was there in 1976/1977.
I was a preacher's & a missionary kid.
I had lived in South America all my life since I was 3 months old,
We returned to the US when I was 15.
My parents left me there because we didn't get along.
Upon arriving I stayed at the unwed mothers home that was ran by my aunt & uncle " Ruth & Bud Pummill" whom I had never met. Ruth was my dad's older sister.
I wasn't pregnant, my parent's were very unhappy with me, & thought they could rehabilate me by sending me there.
They took my jeans away & burned them, my makeup my radio & other items they didn't believe was religious.
Mother's were pushed into giving up their babies, I was handcuffed to my bed after attempting to leave, after being there for several months.
I know have PTSD from it all.
I had found several years ago , where there were records of the babies for adoption.
If any of you that were there at that time remember any of this, please!!! Reach out & pos It. It has haunted me. They took those babies I know the truth!!
Those records are still around!
The whole thing is a scam!????
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May 2023 by escarlin
This school does not value their kids as who they are and tries desperately to change them and their parents in the wrong direction. They do not respect the birth/adopted parents of the kids and instead of healing, they rip them from their families and normal connections and normal lives. Do not send your child here, this is not a good place.
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April 2023 by Deborah Peterson (Gypsybutrfly)
I was there in 1976/1977.I was a preacher's & a missionary kid.I had lived in South America all my life since I was 3 months old,We returned to the US when I was 15.My parents left me there because we didn't get along.Upon arriving I stayed at the unwed mothers home that was ran by my aunt & uncle " Ruth & Bud Pummill" whom I had never met. Ruth was my dad's older sister.I wasn't pregnant, my parent's were very unhappy with me, & thought they could rehabilate me by sending me there.They took my jeans away & burned them, my makeup my radio & other items they didn't believe was religious.Mother's were pushed into giving up their babies, I was handcuffed to my bed after attempting to leave, after being there for several months.I know have PTSD from it all.I had found several years ago , where there were records of the babies for adoption.If any of you that were there at that time remember any of this, please!!! Reach out & pos It. It has haunted me. They took those babies I know the truth!!Those records are still around!The whole thing is a scam!????
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March 2023 by Deborah P.
I was there in 1976/1977. I was a preachers & a missionary kid. I had lived all my life since I was 3 months old, in South America. We returned to the US when I was 15. I was stayed at the unwed mothers home that was ran by my aunt & uncle " Ruth & Bud Pummill" whom I had never met. Ruth was my dad's older sister. I wasn't pregnant,. My parents left me there because we didn't get along! Upon arriving there after my parent's left the next day, they took my jeans away & burned them, my ma, my radio & other items they didnt believe was religious. Mothers were pushed into giving up their babies, I was handcuffed to my bed after attempting to leave. I know have PTSD from it all. I had found several years ago , where there were records of a Catholic church that they had sold the babies for adoption to. If any of you that were there at that time remember any of this, please!!! Reach out & post. It has haunted me all these years. My cousin Daniel Pummill is now and MD at the same place they took those babie I know the truth!, I saw the court records! Those records are still around! The whole thing is a scam!
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February 2023 by Xombie Gee
This place was terrible back in the 60's/70's. Good for them if they changed, but back then it was all religious brainwashing, corporal punishment, forced labor or don't eat, etc. And, any "school" these days that orients itself on a specific religious myth means some parts of a necessary and balanced education in critical thinking are being left out on purpose!
