The Programs in Our Maritime Private School in Florida

Safe Harbor Boys Home is a registered private school in Florida that has been dedicated to helping at-risk boys since 1984. We are a nonprofit organization that is unparalleled in creating men of character, integrity, and vision. Each cadet learns responsibility by working and living on their own boat, gaining success in the maritime environment, learning to captain their own vessel, and succeeding in other areas of life. 

• To know God and enjoy a personal relationship with Him. 
• To be able to commit to a task until it is finished. 
• To be able to bear an injustice without wanting to get even. 

• To be able to carry money without spending it. 
• To do one’s duty without being supervised. 

Our educational and vocational programs aim to prepare the boys to enter and succeed in the workplace. The foundation principles used include a focus on INTEGRITY and GOOD CHARACTER, teamwork, listening and speaking ability, problem-solving, ability to instruct and lead others, ability to allocate one’s time and money, reasoning and personal integrity, honesty, self-management, and social capacity. 

Every boy is instructed daily by the Biblical book of Proverbs. All staff members are trained to offer spiritual advice and wisdom in everyday settings as well as during times of crisis. 

The boys live aboard boats as part of a maritime program while learning seamanship skills. So, all boys must be able to pass a swimming exam before admission. The boys also receive vocational training in a variety of disciplines, which is also offered on campus. Lifestyle competence is also taught, such as driver education, job-seeking skills (interviewing, resumes, appropriate dress), banking – including establishing and maintaining a checking and savings account, and the correct use of credit. Every boy learns basic nutrition, cooking and grocery shopping skills, laundry, and housekeeping skills. 

The boys must maintain academic success in order to be eligible for extracurricular activities that may include surfing, boating activities, fishing and a myriad of off-campus activities. Responsibility for one’s actions is taught and reinforced on a daily basis. Privileges come only with an increased demonstration of responsibility for oneself and toward others. 

The water and boating activities have always played an integral part in their lives. Life on the water provides serenity and peace but also unequaled opportunities for life lessons. For these reasons, Safe Harbor Boys Home utilizes the waterfront and vessels as the foundation of the residential, academic, and vocational education program. 

Sixty-plus donated boats of all sizes fill our docks and the landscape. The vessels serve as housing for the boys and staff, training vessels for marine industry-based skills, and play an essential role in the vocational education and character development programs.  

While we have kept the unique residential, integrated academic/vocational program, guided by the Christian foundation, the same throughout the past 30 years, the vehicles through which the goals are achieved are constantly changing and always growing. Safe Harbor Boys Home will incorporate any medium to excite, inspire, teach, and bring hope to the boys we serve. 

The Safe Harbor Boys Home is a registered private school in the State of Florida. Our academic philosophy is built on the belief that education is a lifelong process and occurs in every area of life. 

We are a registered private school in the State of Florida. Our academic philosophy is built on the belief that education is a lifelong process and occurs in every area of life. At Safe Harbor Boys Home, the foundation of a balanced education is the understanding that varied and unique learning styles exist, and identifying the particular type of student ensures he will achieve maximum success.  

• Study hall required and supervised four nights per week (if academic goals not met) 
• Experiential learning is a crucial component of the overall program & reinforces academic learning concepts. 
• Flexible block scheduling is implemented to prevent student burnout and ensure academics are enhanced and reinforced with the maritime, vocational, and elective courses. 
• Spiritual Integration of biblical principles into daily life 
• Personal Values, Character, Integrity, and Wisdom are taught and reinforced daily in the classroom and throughout the program. 
• Graduating students usually go on to enroll in two-year, four-year, and major colleges and all branches of the Armed Services. 

*required by the Safe Harbor program for graduation