About Benchmark
History & Vision
Benchmark Young Adult School© was founded in September, 1993 by Jayne Selby-Longnecker, M.Ed., who has long been considered to be a leader in the industry of special education for adolescents and transitional living programs for young adults. As a single parent of four children, Jaynie understood all too well that many young people, and their frustrated families, faced a lack of resources in their struggle for self-reliance. With her education, experience and first-hand understanding of addiction, Jaynie set out to provide a real-world setting where troubled teens and struggling young adults could learn to emerge into autonomy.
With that in mind, Benchmark has been continually dedicated to assisting "at risk" troubled young people by fostering a positive environment in which healthy guidance and life skills necessary to transition into the world of education, work, physical and emotional health and autonomy are taught.
Benchmark is located in the historic town of Redlands, California. At the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains, approximately 60 miles East of Los Angeles, Redlands is centrally located near the educational, vocational and cultural opportunities that lend to our community-based learning curriculum, yet just far enough away from the fast-paced temptations commonly found in a big city.
Accreditation & Professional Affiliations
Benchmark Young Adult School the educational component of Benchmark Transitions, is Fully Accredited as an Outstanding Academic Institution by the National Private Schools Association Group (NPSAG). Benchmark holds a Private School Affidavit through the State of California and has been a member in good standing of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools & Programs (NATSAP) since its inception.
Moving Forward
In 2009, Benchmark announced the formation of Benchmark Transitions©, the new designation for our transitional living curriculum. Benchmark Transitions will include: Benchmark’s therapeutic services and clinical treatment, Recovery by Benchmark©, Benchmark’s Transitional Living Phases©, and Acacia©, an individualized life skills program. The Benchmark Young Adult School title will still apply to Benchmark’s educational curriculum.
