Elan School is a closely-knit, highly structured community that simulates society. Elan students living in each house are in charge of its operation under the supervision of direct-care staff members. There is a job hierarchy designed to instill self-respect and to teach personal responsibility, honesty, consideration of others, self-control and patience. The Elan program is based on the principle that behavior cannot be changed by simply eliminating negative actions. The adolescent must not only stop antisocial acts, but must also learn a new way of doing things.

Elan School stresses a strong work ethic throughout the program, and each promotion results in new privileges and increased status. If students fail to perform with initiative, they participate in additional group and individual sessions. If this is not successful, they are demoted; this teaches them to function under adversity and to deal with failure, disappointment and disagreement. They learn that occasionally failing is part of life, that they can start again and succeed, and that development of resilience is fundamental to success.

Peer pressure and support teaches and enforces constructive behavior. Students learn that they must earn what they want and that they must give to receive. The peer-oriented social structure is vital to the Elan concept. Students learn to take direction, accept criticism without taking it personally, criticize constructively, give orders reasonably, and care for and work with others; they also learn that their self-esteem is not dependent upon the acceptance of others.

Elan has an on-site medical clinic where day to day health problems are handled by the Medical Assistant. Elan's Medical Director, Dr. Carl VanderPutten is a practicing emergency physician. He is routinely on campus weekly for new student admission physicals, follow up on chronic problems and sick call for more acute illnesses. He also comes on an as needed basis for problems necessitating a physician's evaluation but not rising to a level requiring an emergency room visit. He supervises the medical assistant, consulting with her frequently on student health needs and consults with the various direct care staff providing care for our students. The students are free and encouraged to speak with him about any concerns or health questions that may arise.

Elan School is licensed by the Maine Department of Education as a private, special-purpose school.