| Archway Academy
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a "Recovery High School"?
A: As defined by the national Association of Recovery Schools (ARS), of which Archway Academy is a member, a Recovery High School must "meet state requirements for awarding a secondary school diploma" and be "designed specifically for students recovering from substance abuse or dependency". This includes requiring that all enrolled students be in recovery and working a program of recovery approved by the school. Recovery Schools are also prepared through policies, protocols and the hiring of qualified personnel to address the needs of students in crisis, therapeutic or other. To learn more about ARS, Recovery High Schools, and colleges that offer academic or residential programs/departments designed specifically for students recovering from substance abuse or dependency, click here.
Q: How old do you have to be to attend Archway?
A: Archway Academy is a high school designed for students in grades 9-12.
Q: Does Archway support a program for students who have dual diagnoses?
A: Yes.
Q: What are Archway Academy's criteria for enrollment?
A: There are 8 specific criteria that all students must meet in order to enroll at Archway Academy:
- Be an active member of an APG (see List of APGs under ADMISSIONS)
- Have a written referral from their APG
- Have at least 60 days of sobriety and at least 30 days post- discharge from residential treatment, if applicable
- Be working a 12-step program to their counselor's satisfaction
- Have a consistent working relationship with a sponsor
- Be actively addressing other mental health or 2nd stage recovery issues (examples: bipolar disorder, depression, ODD)
- Be following APG recommendations for psychiatry and/or medication compliance
- Exhibit a strong commitment to recovery
Q: If a student meets all of the above criteria, how do they apply to Archway?
A: First, the student downloads the application form found on this website (See Forms, under ADMISSIONS) and starts filling it out, gathering the necessary supporting documentation. He or she then needs to research and join an APG (See List of APGs, also under ADMISSIONS). Once the student's APG counselor feels they are ready to attend Archway and they have received a written referral, the student should call the school to schedule an interview for themselves and a parent or guardian (713.328.0780). They should bring their application, even if it is incomplete, and their APG referral form.
Q: What if a student doesn't have 60 days of sobriety until after the semester has begun?
A: Archway Academy has a "rolling admissions" policy. A student can be admitted at any time during the semester when it is feasible.
Q: If a student enters mid-semester, how do they catch up with their classmates?
A: Southwest Schools' curriculum provides flexibility for self-paced learning. Students who are motivated can catch up, or even surpass their classmates if they wish to graduate early.
Q: What does a student do, while he or she is waiting to fulfill Archway's "60 days of sobriety" requirement?
A: Go ahead and start the admissions process. Download the application form, start filling it out and gathering the necessary supporting documentation. Research and join an APG. From time- to-time there is a waiting list, so contact the school and let us know of your intent to enroll and the approximate timing (713.328.0780). We can also help you sign up for online classes that can be taken at home, which will easily transfer to your classes at Archway. As your 60 days of sobriety draws near, and after you receive an approved referral from your APG, call the school to schedule an interview for yourself and a parent or guardian. Be sure to bring your application, even if it is incomplete, and your APG referral form.
Q: Does Archway Academy have a Summer School program?
A: No. Most of the APGs offer camping trips that keep the students occupied during most of the summer. We have also found that the students benefit from some "down time", away from school.
Q: What are Archway Academy's Hours of Operation?
A: The Administrative Offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Q: What time do classes start?
A: The School Day begins at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 3:05 p.m.
Q: What does a typical School Day look like?
| Wellness/Fellowship |
8:00-8:50 |
| First Period |
8:54-9:44 |
| Second Period |
9:54-10:44 |
| Third Period |
10:48-11:38 |
| Fourth Period |
11:42-12:32 |
| Lunch |
12:35-1:05 |
| Fifth Period |
1:09-1:59 |
| Sixth Period |
2:03-2:53 |
| Closing |
2:55-3:05 | On Fridays the classes are shorter in order to be completed by Lunch, and the afternoon is dedicated to "Friday Fill-up" activities.
Q: What is "Friday Fill-up"?
A: Every Friday afternoon is dedicated to a different activity. It might be creative, contemplative, a short field trip or community outreach. These activities are designed to bring the students together and "fill them up" with positive reinforcement for the weekend ahead.
Q: What is the Grading Schedule?
A: The School Year is divided into 6 six-week grading periods, or 3 per semester. The 6-week Report Cards are disseminated via email. Half-way through each grading period (3 weeks) a Progress Report is sent home with the student. Parents and Guardians are welcome to email the teachers directly at any time throughout the year, if they have questions or concerns about their student's progress.
Q: Does Archway have a physical education program?
A: Yes.
Q: Does Archway offer electives?
A: Yes.
Q: Does Archway offer foreign language studies?
A: Yes.
Q: Do Archway students participate in any kind of community service?
A: Yes. Being housed at Palmer Church, our students have ample opportunity to give back to the community. All students participate in one or more of the following: serving breakfast to those who are less fortunate during Way Station, working with Alzheimer's patients at Gathering Place, and entertaining toddlers in the Day Care Center. As service is an essential component of recovery, Archway is fortunate to have these opportunities literally at our doorstep!
Q: Why does Archway suggest that students take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) exam?
A: Students who take the PSAT tend to score higher on their SATs than those who did not.
Q: Does Archway have a Valedictorian?
A: To date, Archway has had a Valedictorian every year. As the highest ranking graduate of a Texas public (Texas Education Agency-accredited) high school, they receive a certificate that can be used as a scholarship to cover the tuition costs at any Texas public college or university.
Q: Do Archway students qualify under the "top 10%" rule?
A: Yes. Students ranked in the top 10% of their class are eligible for automatic admission to any Texas public university if they have completed the Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Plan. Class rankings are determined at the end of the school year.
Q: Can a student earn college credits while at Archway?
A: Yes, by enrolling in and passing dual credit courses.
Q: How will attending college affect my long-term ability to make a living?
A: A college graduate's average lifetime earnings is twice that of a high school graduate's!
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