They walk the halls not just as educators, but as mentors, advocates, and confidantes. They are the backbone of a unique and vital institution: the staff of a sober high school.
At a sober school like Archway Academy, our staff members and faculty are two distinct and separate groups. While our organization plays a dual role in keeping our students sober and in class, our staff do not. We are not therapists who tutor or teachers who counsel; we are specialists in our respective fields. We maintain close communication with each other and our students throughout the school day.
Archway staff and faculty prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment for students in recovery. They may work in academics or recovery support. Their main goal is to help students feel safe and supported during their recovery journey.
The staff members at a recovery school commit to providing a safe and welcoming space for students to learn and grow. Their goal is to help students build the skills and confidence they need to maintain their alcohol-free lives. Their roles encompass:
- Academic Support: Due to the unique structure of Archway Academy, our academic staff is laser focused on educating your student, shifting the responsibility of discipline and accountability to our recovery support staff. Our classes are small, with a low teacher-to-student ratio. This means students get personalized attention. They receive the support they need to succeed in the classroom and earn their high school diploma.
- Recovery Counseling: On-site counseling at a sober school like Archway is provided by trained professionals. They offer one-on-one and group counseling to help students overcome addiction. The goal is to establish a solid foundation for long-term recovery.
- Mental Health Support: Archway Academy operates within a continuum of care. We take behavioral health and recovery seriously and employ a variety of methods to keep your student on track. This includes private counselors, probation officers, residential treatment clinicians, and daily check-in sessions. We collaborate with your Alternative Peer Group (APG), counselors, family, and other involved parties to ensure your student gets support from all sides.
- Life Skills Development: From healthy living to conflict resolution and communication skills, staff members equip students with the tools they need to thrive in life beyond the classroom.
The dedication of the staff at a sober high school extends far beyond their professional duties. They often become trusted figures in students’ lives, offering encouragement, guidance, and unwavering support during their recovery journey.
Here are some of the unique qualities that make these staff members so special:
- Passion for Recovery: They believe in the potential of every student and are driven by a deep commitment to helping them achieve lasting sobriety.
- Understanding and Empathy: They possess a deep understanding of addiction and its impact on young people, allowing them to connect with students on a personal level.
- Resilience and Patience: They recognize that the road to recovery is not always linear and are prepared to offer ongoing support and encouragement through challenges and setbacks.
- Collaboration: They work as a team, creating a unified support system that addresses the multifaceted needs of their students.
Our teachers and administrators are experienced educators, just like you’d find in a traditional high school; our recovery coaches bring diverse degrees and backgrounds in clinical, therapeutic, and peer support care.
When a student requires emotional support or when they require help in a particular subject, we call on the right person at the right time to help in the right way for that student. We’re all driving the same direction, but we stay in our own lanes — and we keep each other in the loop at every stage.
The staff of a sober high school play a critical role in shaping the lives of young people in recovery. Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering support empower students to heal, learn, and build a brighter future.
Our faculty in the education department of the school consists of nine dedicated teachers. They are passionate about helping students stay focused on their education.
Teachers in a sober school are just like those in a regular high school. The curriculum is challenging, including papers, projects, quizzes, class changes, and elective courses. Southwest Schools, the organization that provides our curriculum, is governed by the Texas Education Agency like any other traditional public school.
Curious about our faculty? You can read more information in detail about them here.
Our highly trained staff make up the second lane of the sober school highway at Archway Academy. Our clinical director oversees three recovery coaches and specialists. They are always available to support our students. They ensure that our students receive the best care during their journey to sobriety.
At Archway Academy, a sober school in Houston, everyone is important for our success and for making a positive environment. This includes students, staff, parents, peers, donors, and directors. Together, we create a culture of gratitude, humor, hope, and love.
We’re here to help — no judgment, no pressure, just compassion.
