You may not be familiar with what a sober school entails, how a sober school can help your child — or even what one is. At Archway Academy, our staff speaks to prospective families daily, and we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help address any concerns and quell any nerves you may have.
For a more comprehensive list of FAQs, please visit the different FAQ sections of our website for Enrollment, Donation, or General/Other questions.
Q: What is a sober (or recovery) high school?
A: As defined by the national Association of Recovery Schools (ARS), of which Archway Academy is a member, a sober high school must “meet state requirements for awarding a secondary school diploma” and be “designed specifically for students recovering from substance use.” This includes requiring that all enrolled students be in recovery and working a program of recovery approved by the school.
Sober schools are also prepared through policies, protocols, and the hiring of qualified personnel to address the needs of students in crises, whether therapeutic or other. To learn more about ARS, recovery high schools, and colleges that offer academic or sober living programs designed specifically for students recovering from substance use disorders, click here.
Q: What’s the difference between the Archway and Passageway programs? What’s the criteria for eligibility?
A: Archway Academy offers two unique programs on campus. The Passageway program is for students new to our community who have fewer than 60 days of sobriety and/or who are coming to us from a residential treatment setting. Passageway students receive additional designated recovery support, more frequent drug testing, and are under more stringent observation.
The traditional Archway program is for students with more than 60 days of sobriety and a full referral from an Alternative Peer Group (APG). Archway students are allowed more freedom and privileges due to their sustained recovery. For detailed admissions criteria, please click here.
Q: Is Archway Academy a Christian school as well as a sober school?
A: No, but our classrooms exist inside of generously shared space at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church. While Archway is not affiliated with any religious organization, we are spiritual in nature, following the 12-step recovery model.
Q: Does Archway Academy enroll students who have dual diagnoses?
A: Yes. Please visit our Enroll Your Child page to complete our detailed enrollment and student history forms, or contact us if you’d like to discuss more in-depth.
Q: What if I find out about Archway after the semester has already started?
A: We’re proud to offer a “rolling admissions” policy, which allows for a student to be admitted at any time during the semester when feasible. For students who are behind, Archway’s curriculum provides flexibility for self-paced learning. Motivated students can catch up and gain the credits they need to get back on track.
Q: What’s the sober school referral process for parents or professionals?
A: The referral process consists of five steps and must be followed in order to enroll a student in Archway Academy. Please see our Referral Process page for more details.
Q: Why is a sober school like Archway Academy a better option for a student in recovery than a traditional high school?
A: Please see our How We Work page for information about why a sober high school can be more beneficial for your child than a traditional one.
Q: What are the tuition and fees for Archway Academy?
A: You can find out more about our tuition and fees here. If cost is an issue for you, please don’t let that stop you from considering Archway — we are adamant that cost should never be a barrier to a family seeking help for their teen. We offer financial aid options for anyone who might need assistance. Please contact us to discuss options.
Q: What if a student has been expelled from another school?
A: We will consider students who have been expelled from other high schools on a case-by-case basis. If the expulsion was related to substance abuse, they are welcome to apply to Archway Academy.
Q: Is there transportation available?
A: We do not offer transportation. However, students may drive or access public transportation to get to Archway. We currently have a number of students commuting to Archway by way of carpool or Metro Park & Ride. These students are coming from neighborhoods such as The Woodlands, Kingwood, Cypress, Sugar Land, and League City, to name a few. There are dozens of Metro drop-off points within a block or two of our campus, and the MetroRail disembarks directly across the street from our campus. Our admissions specialist will help your family understand the existing methods of transportation as well as help you research additional options if need be. This can happen prior to enrollment.
Q: What recovery support does Archway Academy provide?
A: Please see our Culture of Recovery page for more information on how we integrate education and recovery to provide the best possible outcome for your student.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Please see our Enroll Now page for more information.
Q: Do you have age limitations for students attending Archway Academy?
A: We typically have an age limit of 20, but we will consider older students on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Is there counseling available on-site?
A: Yes. Our recovery coaches and staff bring diverse degrees and backgrounds in clinical, therapeutic, and peer support care.
We’re here to help — no judgment, no pressure, just compassion.
