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 School's onsite medical clinical provides routine medical care. A physician visits one day a week, more often if necessary. He and the medical staff are on call 24 hours a day and live within the local area. When specialized care is indicated, students are taken to area doctors' offices or to a local hospital for emergencies.

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