Horizon High School

Located west of the Isthmus, Horizon High School teaches and provides support to students age 14-18 with a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Horizon is the only recovery school in WI, providing group therapy and individual counseling for students who have a drug addiction or are at risk of addiction, alongside regular academics. Horizon usually takes 10-15 students at a time but can take up to 21, and they allow students to enroll midyear. Guest speakers and staff share their experiences in recovery to encourage the students. The curriculum centers on science, math, English, and social studies with applications like healthcare in the United States and understanding the culture that a book reflects. They facilitate physical education through off-campus gym workouts. Their life skills-focused field trips explore the Henry Vilas Zoo, pet stores, parks, farms, libraries, ice skating, amusement parks, and more. Horizon rounds out the curriculum with volunteer outings to connect with the Madison-area community.

Horizon High School offers voluntary admission to students. They verify that the students are enrolling willingly and have them sign a pledge to remain alcohol and drug-free during their enrollment at Horizon. They require students to be sober for 30 days before enrolling. Staff perform weekly random drug tests to ensure continued sobriety.

Students meet regularly for group therapy and have an onsite counselor to discuss concerns individually. Also, Horizon High School requires students to have a support person outside the school, such as a counselor, psychiatrist, social worker, or sponsor.

Parental Support

Each month, Horizon High School hosts a nightly support meeting for parents, guardians, and other family members to meet other families addressing the effects of addiction and mental health disorders.