in 1958 Chad Sorenson started a summer school and recreational program that gave him a taste of how rewarding it can be to work with and help youth. Chad continued to enjoy helping youth change their lives. So much so, that in several cases when circumstances prevented kids from returning to their home environments for one reason or another, that he and his wife opened their own home and raised them as their own kids.

Through several decades of helping youth, Chad noticed that repeatedly parents would approach him needing help for children younger than 12 that they were not set up to help, and had to them turn away at the time. These kids generally grew into more complex problems and ended up in treatment as they grew older. High Top Ranch was born out of a desire to help younger boys that needed treatment before small issues grew into large problems. Chad's 50 years of experience in helping literally thousands of troubled youth has help High Top Ranch grow into a respected independent school and treatment center.

Today, Chad is convinced that helping to keep the program small ensures that none of these kids can fall through the cracks. He is concerned that each child gets individual attention, and that the program be molded around the unique issues that each kid brings with them. He wants kids to learn to work hard and then to play just as hard. Chad has set the backdrop for High Top Ranch's philosophy, and has helped to select the team of professional therapists, teachers and case managers that make the program so great. Experience has shown not only what it takes to help kids today, but also what is needed to provide them with the skills and attitudes that will create a lifetime of success.