Robert Lichfield is a businessman known for his role in the troubled teen industry. He founded the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASPS), which ran multiple boarding schools for at-risk youth. While financially successful, his career has been controversial. Robert Lichfield net worth is estimated at $25 million to $35 million. His wealth mainly comes from the for-profit troubled teen industry and other ventures. Despite legal battles and criticism, he remains financially stable.
Early Life and Background
Robert Lichfield was born in 1946 in the United States. As of 2025, he is 79 years old. Limited publicly available information exists about his early life, including details about his parents and upbringing. However, experts believe he developed a keen interest in business and leadership from a young age.
His early years played a crucial role in shaping his career. While no widely documented information exists about his childhood, Lichfield’s later involvement in the troubled teen industry suggests he developed a deep interest in education and youth programs.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Lichfield |
| Date of Birth | 1946 (Exact date unknown) |
| Age | 79 years (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Businessman |
| Known For | Founder of WWASPS (World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools) |
| Net Worth | $25 million – $35 million |
Physical Attributes
Robert Lichfield stands approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall. While details about his weight are not publicly known, he has maintained an average physique throughout his career. As someone who has spent decades in the business world, Lichfield’s physical presence has not been a major factor in his public recognition.
Education
Robert Lichfield’s educational background is not well-documented. There is no clear record of him attending any prominent university or obtaining higher education degrees. However, despite not having a formal academic background in education or psychology, he successfully built a business empire centered around the troubled teen industry.
His success in launching and managing WWASPS demonstrates his strong business acumen, even without a traditional college education. Lichfield relied on his entrepreneurial skills and strategic partnerships to establish his business ventures.
Career and Business Ventures
Founding of WWASPS
Robert Lichfield founded the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASPS) in 1998. The organization focused on running boarding schools for troubled teens, offering behavior modification programs to students with behavioral issues.
Under Lichfield’s leadership, WWASPS expanded rapidly, with several affiliated schools in the United States, Mexico, and other countries. At its peak, WWASPS was earning millions of dollars annually, as families paid substantial fees to enroll their children in these programs.
Lichfield positioned WWASPS as a solution for parents struggling with their children’s behavioral issues. The organization marketed itself as a place for personal growth and rehabilitation, offering structured environments and strict discipline.
Expansion and Financial Success
The financial model of WWASPS was highly profitable. Schools charged parents tuition fees ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 per year. With thousands of students enrolling across multiple institutions, WWASPS generated significant revenue.
By the early 2000s, Robert Lichfield had built a multi-million-dollar business. His estimated net worth reached its peak during this period, reflecting the financial success of his organization. At its height, WWASPS-controlled schools brought in over $90 million annually.
In addition to his work in the troubled teen industry, Lichfield has invested in various other business ventures, including real estate and philanthropy. His ability to generate wealth extended beyond education-based programs.
Controversies and Legal Issues
While Robert Lichfield found financial success through WWASPS, numerous allegations of abuse and misconduct at his schools have overshadowed his career. Former students, staff members, and parents have accused the organization of mistreatment, unethical practices, and financial fraud.
Abuse Allegations
Over the years, multiple former students reported experiencing harsh punishments, including physical restraint, solitary confinement, and emotional abuse. Some students alleged they were denied basic necessities, such as food and medical care, as a form of discipline.
Several investigations into WWASPS and its affiliated schools revealed troubling patterns of behavior, leading to the closure of multiple institutions. Lichfield himself faced legal scrutiny, though he has denied personal involvement in any wrongdoing.
Lawsuits and Financial Impact
In 2011, over 500 former students and their families filed a lawsuit against WWASPS, alleging physical and psychological abuse. The legal battle resulted in several schools shutting down and damaged Lichfield’s reputation. However, he remained financially stable, as many of the institutions operated under independent management structures.
While the legal cases brought significant media attention, Lichfield’s wealth did not diminish entirely. He continued to work on business projects outside of WWASPS, maintaining his financial status.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Despite the controversies surrounding his business ventures, Robert Lichfield actively supports philanthropy and community projects. In 2023, he donated a building in Hurricane, Utah, and officials later named it the Bob Lichfield Recreation Center. The facility serves as a community space for local youth programs.
This act of philanthropy demonstrates his continued commitment to community development, despite his troubled past in the education sector.
Personal Life and Family
Robert Lichfield has kept his personal life largely private. There is limited information available about his family, including details about his spouse, children, or close relatives. Unlike many public figures, Lichfield has chosen to keep his personal relationships out of the spotlight.
His public image has remained focused on his business career, with most available information centered around his professional ventures and legal battles.
Robert Lichfield Net Worth
Robert Lichfield net worth remains a topic of interest due to his controversial yet financially successful career. His wealth is estimated to be between $25 million to $35 million. The majority of his income came from WWASPS and related business ventures.
Even after legal challenges and the closure of many WWASPS-affiliated schools, Lichfield retained substantial wealth through other investments. His financial portfolio includes real estate and various entrepreneurial ventures, ensuring his continued financial security.
Conclusion
Robert Lichfield career brought both success and controversy. As the founder of WWASPS, he built a multi-million-dollar business but faced criticism for alleged unethical practices. Despite legal troubles, Robert Lichfield net worth remains between $25 million to $35 million, thanks to diverse investments.
He continues community and philanthropic efforts in Utah, though his legacy is debated. While he achieved financial success, his reputation remains linked to the troubled teen industry. His story highlights how business ethics shape long-term success and public perception. Read More BeautyEase.