A two-part
focus.

Keeping students sober and in class is our priority. While our organization plays a dual role, our staff do not.

We’re not therapists who tutor or teachers who counsel, but specialists in our respective fields in close communication with each other and our students throughout the school day. Our teachers and administrators are experienced educators; our recovery coaches and staff bring diverse degrees and backgrounds in clinical, therapeutic, and peer support care. When a student requires emotional support or when they require help in history, we call on the right person at the right time to help in the right way for that student. We’re all driving the same direction, but we stay in our own lanes. And we all keep each other in the loop.

Frequently
Asked
Questions

• What is a recovery high school?

  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 use.” This includes requiring that all enrolled students be in recovery and working a program of recovery approved by the school.

  Recovery High 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.

• What’s the difference between Archway and Passageway? What’s the criteria for eligibility?

  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.

• Is Archway Academy a Christian school?

  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.

• Does Archway enroll students who have dual diagnoses?

  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.

• What if I find out about Archway after the semester has already started?

  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.

• Does Archway Academy have a summer school program?

  Yes. Archway provides a credit recovery summer school program for students with academic need. The program operates over four weeks, split into two-week sessions. Archway’s academic advisor determines which students are in need of credit recovery summer school and makes a recommendation to families as needed.

• What’s the grading schedule?

  Our school year is divided into six 6-week grading periods, or three per semester. The six-week report cards are disseminated via email. Halfway through each grading period (three 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.

• What is the referral process for parents or professionals?

  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.

• Are Archway students involved in any outside community service?

  Yes! At Archway, we feel that community service is a vital part of not only the recovery process, but of high school as well. Our students participate in several service projects each year including our Random Acts of Kindness Day benefiting children and families at Texas Children’s Center and the Texas Medical Center and our annual holiday toy drive for the women and children at Santa Maria Hostel.

• What extracurricular activities do Archway students participate in?

  We offer options such as student council and yoga.

• Why is Archway Academy a better option for a student in recovery than a traditional high school?

  Please see our Why We Work tab for information about why a recovery high school can be more beneficial for your child than a traditional one.

• What does a typical day at Archway look like?

  Students will experience a typical high school day with the exception of our daily check-in session, which is held during first period for all students. From there, they will transition into a regular seven-period day.  Students also have closer supervision throughout the day along with access to our recovery support office as needed.

• What are the tuition and fees for Archway Academy?

  Tuition and fees are listed here. If cost is an issue for you, please don’t let that stop you from considering us. Contact us to discuss options.

• What if a student is behind on credits?

  We do offer a credit recovery option; please reach out to us for more details.

• What if a student has been expelled from another school?

  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.

• Is there transportation available?

  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 & Rides. These students are coming from neighborhoods such as The Woodlands, Kingwood, Cypress, Sugarland, 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.

• What recovery support does Archway Academy provide?

  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.

• How do I apply?

  Please see our Enrollment page for more information.

• Do students live on campus?

  Students do not live on campus. Archway Academy is a recovery high school facility, but we do not offer boarding or residential stays.

• Do you have age limitations for students attending Archway Academy?

  We typically have an age limit of 20, but we will consider older students on a case-by-case basis.

• Is there counseling available on site?

  Yes. Our recovery coaches and staff bring diverse degrees and backgrounds in clinical, therapeutic, and peer support care. When a student requires emotional support, we have the right people to help in the right way for that student.

• Are your teachers certified in their subject areas?

  All teachers are fully certified in their content area.  Many of our teachers also carry additional degrees and certifications.

• Are donations to Archway Academy tax deductible?

  Yes, your donations are fully tax deductible.

• How can I make a referral to Archway?

  The referral process is listed here.

Do you still have unanswered questions? Feel free to drop us a line here!