Arizona Boys Ranch history

Before the Canyon State Academy name, Arizona Boys Ranch faced major public scrutiny after the 1998 death of 16-year-old Nicholaus Contreraz. The Los Angeles Times reported that Arizona officials seized the ranch's license after Contreraz died and after allegations of abuse and neglect at the program (Los Angeles Times).

Phoenix New Times later described the death, state action, and criminal proceedings against former staff in a broader account of the school's troubled history. Canyon State Academy subsequently operated under Rite of Passage and the new name (Phoenix New Times).