The School That Stands in the Gap: How McAdams Academy Gives Expelled Students a Second Chance

In a city full of schools, McAdams Academy is unlike any other. It doesn’t have sports teams or pep rallies. Its students don’t wear spirit shirts—they wear uniforms, often provided by the school itself. Some arrive with a history of suspensions, expulsions, or unstable homes. But inside this modest facility, they find what many never expected to experience again: structure, dignity, and hope.

Founded in 2014 by Chuck Knowles, PhD, a former juvenile chaplain, McAdams Academy is part alternative school, part therapeutic program, and part mission field. Its purpose? To serve middle and high school students who’ve been expelled from traditional schools and have nowhere else to go.

A Vision Shaped by Real-Life Pain

Chuck’s passion for this work comes from personal experience. Growing up in an abusive, alcoholic household, he understood what it felt like to be overlooked and isolated. As a kid, he was the one hiding in the back of the classroom. But even then, he felt a strong urge to protect others—especially the vulnerable and outcast.

That desire followed him into ministry. As a chaplain in Kansas juvenile detention facilities, Chuck began to notice a recurring pattern: after release, many teens had no support system waiting for them at home. They were alone, unemployed, out of school, and falling quickly back into old habits.

Seeing the need, Chuck began drafting plans for what started as a simple reporting center—a place where teens could go during the day for structure and mentorship. But the county soon asked if he’d consider opening a school instead. He said yes.

What Makes McAdams Different?

At its core, McAdams Academy is a therapeutic school for youth who’ve been expelled, many of whom are in foster care or facing major behavioral and emotional challenges. Unlike traditional schools, the environment is built for flexibility, intervention, and individual attention.

The school combines online learning with in-person support. Class sizes are small, teacher-student ratios are low, and staff are trained to address trauma, not just behavior. Students work at their own pace, and academics are interwoven with practical skills—from cooking to hygiene to conflict resolution.

Discipline exists, but it’s restorative, not punitive. When students act out, the focus is on repairing the harm and helping them learn from the experience—not merely punishing them.

A Typical Day at McAdams

There is no truly “typical” day, but most begin with check-in procedures to ensure safety, including uniform changes and phone checks. From there, students go to class, where teachers and paras support them as they complete tailored coursework. Meals are home-cooked. Breaks include gym time or activities like sewing, art, and personal grooming. Throughout the day, life lessons are embedded into the structure.

Some students may need a break from class to calm down or talk through conflict. Staff take the time to listen, ask questions, and provide space for students to reset. In many cases, they’re the only consistent, caring adults in a child’s life.

Education as Ministry

Chuck’s approach is deeply shaped by his faith. He views education as a ministry—one that includes not just students, but their families and communities. Over the years, McAdams has provided laundry facilities, hygiene items, makeovers for girls, and even cologne for boys learning self-care for the first time.

But for Chuck, ministry is more than services—it’s about presence. He believes that small gestures, spoken at the right time, can change a life. Just as one kind word from a stranger shaped his own path years ago, he now encourages others to step into that same role for the students he serves.

Funding the Work and Dreaming Bigger

McAdams operates without charging tuition for expelled students, relying on grants, donations, and community support. Chuck hopes to acquire a permanent building that will serve as a “community campus,” offering trades training, counseling, and creative programs open to the wider public.

Despite the school’s impact, consistent funding remains a challenge. Chuck dreams of creating a foundation to stabilize long-term support—and of bringing more churches, volunteers, and donors into the mission.

How You Can Help

The school welcomes volunteers from all walks of life. Whether it’s sewing, baking, eating lunch with students, or simply showing up to listen, Chuck believes every person has something valuable to offer.

He encourages believers to reconsider what “ministry” really looks like—and to see the kids at McAdams not as lost causes, but as future leaders in need of a lifeline.

“If you're passionate about any of the things I’ve said,” he tells listeners, “just call me. Email me. I’ll share what I’ve learned—and maybe together, we can do something even bigger.”

Learn More or Get Involved

📍 McAdams Academy – Wichita, KS 🔗 mcadamsacademy.org 📧 chuck@mcadamsacademy.com

You can support the school through donations, volunteering, or simply by spreading the word. As Dr. Knowles says, “It’s not about building a system—it’s about showing up for the one kid who needs to know he’s not forgotten.”

This blog post was generated from the following episode of the WISE and Otherwise Podcast with Dalena Wallace. Find more at:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wiseandotherwise