You’ve thought long and hard about the benefits of a sober school, toured Archway Academy, spoken to our counselors, and have gathered up records and forms for enrollment. Now what?
There can be a lot of unanswered questions and concerns remaining after you’ve committed to sending your child to a sober school like Archway. We’re here to help make the transition as seamless as possible. Be sure to check out our frequently asked questions for enrolling, donating, and general, too!
School Profile
Archway Academy was established in 2003 and opened its doors in 2004 to welcome teens who are in need of a unique school setting. Several different components make up Archway, each playing a unique, individual role.
Archway Academy: Archway’s mission is to provide a supportive and sober learning environment to meet the educational needs of adolescents in recovery.
The Passageway Program: Passageway was designed by Archway in 2010 to address the educational needs of students either being discharged from residential treatment or within their first 60 days of sobriety. Its mission is to provide students in early recovery the academic, emotional, and social support necessary to make progress towards a high school diploma.
Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church: While Archway Academy is not affiliated with any religion or religious organization, we are graciously hosted on the campus of Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church. Archway is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and does not discriminate against any student because of race, creed, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Phoenix Academy: A state charter school within the larger Southwest Schools district. Phoenix Academy is comprised of several different programs aimed to support students in residential treatment centers, day treatment programs, and recovery high schools.
We are honored to be a part of a partnership that truly values education for students who don’t always fit into the “traditional” school model due to the challenges faced with substance use disorder and other mental health challenges (e.g., behind in credits, gaps in course content, low motivation, negative reputation at school due to discipline issues, etc.).
Southwest Schools: Southwest Schools (including Phoenix Academy) is a statewide charter school district governed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The mission of Southwest Schools is to prepare college and career-ready students for success after graduation. They are a premier district of choice that meets the diverse needs of all students by creating an inclusive community that fosters a strong sense of self-worth.
Phoenix Academy and Archway Academy are committed to building a collaborative culture in which we work interdependently while also assuming a collective responsibility for the learning of all students.
Archway Academy works collaboratively with Phoenix Academy/Southwest Schools to offer a comprehensive high curriculum developed to accomplish the following goals:
- Support sustained sobriety through a healthy campus environment and coordination of care with referring offsite counselors.
- Provide a quality education that caters to various learning styles. This will help improve academic skills for all students. The goal is to enhance their opportunities after high school.
- Offer career and academic counseling for those who are college bound and for those who will enter the workforce after graduation.
- Foster the spiritual, moral, and academic growth of each student as a whole person.
Structure & Therapeutic Support at a Sober School
Student support staff members are available to students throughout the school day for emotional and therapeutic support. Teachers may request that a student receive support OR the student may request it for themselves.
Archway Academy works closely with each Alternative Peer Group (APG) to ensure that major counseling issues are being addressed by the student’s primary counselor.
We also offer additional counseling and recovery services to facilitate each student’s unique needs, including:
- Four full-time licensed counselors and recovery coaches.
- Enabling focused academic progress with our licensed clinicians, which typically looks like short counseling sessions or crisis management to ensure that our students can get through the school day. Our clinicians work with each student’s primary provider and their main objective is to bridge the gap until our students have the opportunity to process their issue with their primary care provider.
- Addressing co-occurring issues and social/emotional needs beyond substance use.
- Collaboration with community resources and each student’s personal network.
As part of our support systems for students, Archway Academy implements random, frequent drug testing. This is for the safety and security of our students, parents, and staff, and provides peace of mind. Students must follow drug testing rules; not taking the test or following procedures is against our school’s no-drugs policy.
A positive drug test does not automatically deem a student as a drug user. Archway’s staff will determine whether any legitimate alternative medical explanation could account for a positive result. Any positive drug test will be communicated to parents/guardians as well as the appropriate APG staff.
Academics at a Sober School Tailored to Recovery
While recovery may be a major focus at a sober high school, we don’t skimp on academics. Our curriculum comes from Southwest Schools and is aligned with TEA standards. This ensures that your child graduates with a diploma that unlocks future educational and career opportunities. Our smaller class sizes allow for more individualized attention.
The overall aim of a sober school like Archway Academy is to create a learning environment that fosters academic success without compromising your commitment to sobriety.
Our daily schedule is as follows, Monday-Friday:
8-8:54 am: Wellness
8:54-9:44 am: Second period
9:44-10:38 am: Third period
10:38-11:32 am: Fourth period
11:32 am-12:24 pm: Lunch
12:24-1:18 pm: Fifth period
1:18-2:12 pm: Sixth period
2:12-3:02 pm: Seventh period
3:02-3:05 pm: Closing
Several times per grading period, we adjust our schedule to reflect what we call our Special Friday Fill Up. This schedule change allows for special recovery activities aimed at enhancing our community connection.
8-8:38 am: Wellness
8:38-9:19 am: Second period
9:19-9:58 am: Third period
9:58-10:37 am: Fourth period
10:37-11:16 am: Fifth period
11:16-11:55 am: Sixth period
11:55 am-12:30 pm: Seventh period
12:30-1:30 pm: Lunch
1:30-3:05 pm: Wellness
A Different Social Scene at a Sober School
Social pressures abound in high school and navigating them while in recovery can be challenging. A sober high school eliminates the temptation of drugs and alcohol at school events and activities. This allows you to focus on building healthy relationships with like-minded peers who share your commitment to recovery.
Social events at sober high schools are drug- and alcohol-free, focusing on fun activities that promote connection and teamwork—and Archway Academy is no different. With service projects, field trips, SPROM (sober prom), a senior trip, and graduation, you won’t miss out on a traditional high school experience.
Sober School Challenges and Rewards
Transitioning to a sober high school can be challenging. You may experience feelings of isolation, especially since you’re leaving old friends, schools, and habits behind. The constant focus on sobriety can be demanding, and setbacks are a natural part of the recovery process.
However, the rewards of attending a sober high school far outweigh the challenges. Peers who understand your struggles and support your journey will surround you. You’ll gain valuable coping mechanisms and life skills that will benefit you not only in high school but also in your future endeavors.
Both the recovery staff and teachers at Archway Academy are experts in their respective fields, so you’ll have no shortage of people supporting you and cheering you on.
Making the Decision to Attend a Sober School
Attending a sober high school is a life-changing decision, and it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Here are some questions to consider:
- Am I truly committed to getting and staying sober?
- Do I need a safe and supportive environment to succeed in recovery?
- Am I comfortable with the structure and accountability of a sober high school?
You can download our checklists for both teens and parents on our website to help you navigate this decision.
Finding the Right Fit
Sober high schools come in all shapes and sizes. Some are public schools with dedicated recovery programs, while others are supported educational and sober environments, like Archway Academy. Researching your options and visiting schools is crucial to find the environment that best suits your individual needs and learning style. Talk to current students, alumni (you can read success stories by alumni Lauren, Christopher, and Lillian), and staff to gain a well-rounded perspective.
Choosing a sober high school is a powerful investment in your future. It’s a commitment to both your academic success and your long-term health and well-being. With hard work, dedication, and the support of a caring community, a sober high school can be the springboard to a bright and fulfilling future. The staff at Archway Academy look forward to hearing from you as you navigate the decision of committing to a sober school.
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