September is National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate the strength of people who choose to live in recovery and raise awareness about the importance of recovery support. In Oregon, three Recovery High Schools are welcoming students into the new school year: Discovery Academy in Salem, Rivercrest Academy in Portland, and Harmony Academy in Lake Oswego.
Oregon’s Recovery High Schools are public schools that are free to attend. Students work toward their high school diploma while receiving daily recovery-focused support for their wellbeing and academic success. On-site recovery peers, therapists, school counselors, and teachers work with students to create a supportive environment where they can focus on their education and recovery.
For many Recovery High School students, that supportive community is what makes school feel different from their previous experiences. One student who participated in a focus group last spring described it this way:
“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.”
A year-round enrollment process
All Recovery High Schools accept students year-round through an enrollment process that gives students and families the opportunity to learn about the school and decide if enrollment is right for them.
First, students and families reach out to the school they are interested in attending and complete an enrollment packet. Then the student and caregiver interview with the school staff.
Next, the student spends time at the school and is paired with a student peer who can answer questions and help them get familiar with the school community. After learning more about the school and experiencing the community, the student, caregiver, and school staff decide together whether to move forward with enrollment.
For students who choose to enroll, the experience can open 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, opening in 2019. With a focus on individualized academic and recovery planning, Harmony provides students with opportunities to earn credits, build connections in their community, and develop the skills and confidence they need to pursue their goals.
Seven students graduated from Harmony Academy in the 2025-2026 school year. As a new school year begins, 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 about Harmony Academy can call 503-496-3929 or send an email to office@harmony.k12.or.us.
Rivercrest Academy
Rivercrest Academy in Portland opened its doors in 2023, offering students a supportive school environment where education and recovery are integrated into the school day. Students at Rivercrest have a higher attendance rate than their previous schools and earn credits at a faster rate than the average high school student.
Rivercrest is connected to youth recovery and treatment supports throughout the Portland Metro area, helping students access the resources and relationships they need to support their recovery and wellbeing. The school offers a culinary program and dedicated recovery curriculum, giving students the opportunity to build practical skills while learning about recovery as part of their daily education.
Students and families interested in learning more about Rivercrest Academy can contact Principal Bich Do at bdo@mesd.k12.or.us.
Discovery Academy
Discovery Academy in Salem, the newest Recovery High School, opened its doors in the Spring of 2024. With a small student population, the school provides a flexible, supportive learning environment where students build real connections with peers and staff.
Discovery Academy shares a building with 4th Dimension Youth Treatment and Recovery Center, creating a unique hub of education, treatment, recovery support and peer connection for young people in the Salem area.
Students and families interested in learning more about Discovery Academy 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. As one student described it:
“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 Recovery Month, Oregon’s Recovery High Schools are celebrating the students, families, educators, and recovery communities who make that possibility real every day.
To learn more, visit the Oregon Recovery Schools website.
