September is National Recovery Month. It is a time to celebrate people in recovery and raise awareness about recovery support. In Oregon, we have three Recovery High Schools to support students.
- Discovery Academy in Salem
- Rivercrest Academy in Portland
- Harmony Academy in Lake Oswego
These are public schools that are free to attend. Students work toward a high school diploma and get daily support for their well-being and school success. Teachers, recovery peers, therapists, and counselors are there to help students focus on school and recovery.
For many students, the Recovery High School community makes school different from their past experiences. One student participated in a focus group last spring and said:
“The students sitting next to me know what addiction and trauma is, they have been through it. And the staff and teachers understand. Recovery schools change lives; recovery schools save lives.”
Enrollment all year
Students can enroll any time of year. The process gives students and families the chance to learn about the school and decide if enrollment is right for them.
- Students and families contact the school they are interested in and complete an enrollment packet before an interview with school staff.
- Students spend time at the school and meet with a student peer to ask questions and get familiar with the school.
- Students, families, and school staff decide together if enrollment is right for everyone.
Students that enroll see new possibilities for their education, recovery, and future. Another student who participated in the focus group shared:
“I feel like I have a future, which is something I never felt ever. And I do give a lot of props to the Recovery School because of it, because of the factor of the people here support me with it, which I don’t really get much support outside of here.”
Harmony Academy
Harmony Academy in Lake Oswego was Oregon’s first Recovery High School; it opened in 2019. Its focus is on personalized academic and recovery planning, Harmony gives students opportunities to earn credits, make connections in their community, and learn the skills and confidence they need to work toward their goals.
Seven students graduated from Harmony Academy last school year. This year, Harmony’s staff are looking forward to welcoming a new group of students into a community built on hope, resilience, and the belief that change is possible.
Students and families interested in learning more can call 503-496-3929 or send an email to office@harmony.k12.or.us.
Rivercrest Academy
Rivercrest Academy in Portland opened in 2023, giving students a supportive school environment where education and recovery are part of the school day. Students at Rivercrest have a higher attendance rate than the schools they were at before and earn credits faster than the average high school student.
Rivercrest is connected to youth recovery and treatment support throughout the Portland Metro area. This helps students access the resources and relationships they need to support their recovery and well-being. The school has a culinary program and dedicated recovery learning plan, which gives students the chance to learn practical skills and also learn about recovery daily.
Students and families interested in learning more can contact Principal Bich Do at bdo@mesd.k12.or.us.
Discovery Academy
Discovery Academy in Salem is the newest Recovery High School. It opened in spring 2024. With a small student population, the school has a flexible, supportive environment where students build real connections with peers and staff.
Discovery Academy shares a building with 4th Dimension Youth Treatment and Recovery Center. This creates a unique hub of education, treatment, recovery support and peer connection for young people in Salem.
Students and families interested in learning more about can call 503.385.4840 or send an email to DiscoveryAcademy@wesd.org.
Recovery is possible, and every student deserves the chance to pursue it while continuing their education. One student said:
“Getting sober, it means success. I think having a plan for the future or just like seeing yourself in your future again, or for the first time, is success in recovery.”
This month, Oregon’s Recovery High Schools are celebrating the students, families, teachers, and communities who make recovery possible every day.
To learn more, visit the Oregon Recovery Schools website.
