Are Recovery High Schools Really Working?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 341,000 young people between the ages of 12 and 17 enter substance use treatment programs each year.

National research shows that most traditional schools aren’t equipped to support students in the early stages of sobriety. In fact, 80% of students who return to their previous schools relapse within a year.

Enter the recovery high school.

What Is a Recovery High School?

Recovery high schools (also known as “sober schools”) are designed for students recovering from substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health disorders.

These schools were developed in response to high relapse rates among students who left treatment and immediately returned to traditional high school environments. Recovery high schools support students in meeting state-recognized learning goals while also prioritizing continued sobriety.

The first recovery high school, Sobriety High, opened in Minnesota in 1989. Its first official class had only two students, but enrollment eventually grew to more than 100.

Today, approximately 25 recovery schools operate across eight states, with plans underway to establish several more over the next five years. It’s important to note that recovery high schools are not treatment centers. Each one is an academic institution that offers accredited courses toward graduation.

In addition to completing schoolwork and passing exams, students typically participate in an individualized recovery program and follow ongoing recovery expectations.

Who Can Attend a Recovery High School?

Students must complete an application process to attend recovery high schools. While these programs share similar goals, each school operates differently and may have different requirements.

Most programs require students to complete a rehab program and have at least 30 days of sobriety before admission. In general, students must also show a genuine desire to succeed both academically and in recovery.

Once enrolled, students are expected to remain sober and participate in an ongoing recovery plan outside of school.

Do Recovery High Schools Work?

Recovery high schools have shown strong outcomes, including reducing relapse rates and increasing graduation rates.

Students who attend recovery high schools often experience:

• Sustained sobriety.
• Higher attendance.
• Increased grade point averages.

According to Andrew Finch, assistant professor of counseling at Vanderbilt University, outcome studies show positive results. For example, relapse rates drop to just 30% for students graduating from a recovery school.

Recovery High School Statistics

Some of the most impressive recovery high school statistics include:

Anchor Learning Academy (2012-2013 school year)

• Students enrolled: 17
• Graduation rates: 100%
• Students completing year: 13
• Full-year retention rate: 76%
• Average stay for students: 6 months

William J. Ostiguy High School (2007-2008 school year)

• Students enrolled: 39
• Graduated: 8
• Advanced a grade level/returning: 13
• No longer enrolled/pursuing GED: 3
• No longer enrolled/terminated for violation of school policy: 5

Hope Academy (2011-2012 school year)

• Tuition-free, public charter high school
• Students enrolled: 56
• Attendance rate: 90%
• Retention rate: 45%

Archway Academy (2011-2012 school year)

• Largest recovery high school in the country
• Students enrolled: 69
• One-year sobriety rate: 87%
• Of 18 graduates, 16 enrolled in college
• Graduating honors students are eligible for automatic admission to any Texas public university

Find Support and Treatment Options

If your teen needs structured support after treatment, or if your family is exploring the next best step, Recovery.com can help you find drug and alcohol treatment centers that fit your needs. Compare trusted programs, explore levels of care, and find support that helps young people stay on track academically while building a strong foundation for long-term recovery.