Apex Recovery School, an RPS High School, is an academic community providing hope and support for students in recovery from substance use and mental health disorders. Apex represents the desire for students to achieve Academic & Personal EXcellence and has evolved as a program from its inception in 2016, to provide a safe and supportive environment free from substance use. APEX is a school designed to support students in recovery from substance use and requires that students make the choice for themselves to attend and commit to abstinence from substances. Not all students at APEX are in recovery. Some have experienced addiction in their family or personal lives and choose APEX because they want a life free from substance use.
"I didn't know recovery schools existed until I started working at the ALC and taught in the same building as APEX," says Apex teacher Niesha Conley. "When a teacher position opened at APEX, I jumped at the chance because teaching in a recovery school is so different from any other professional experience I've had. I am constantly challenged to develop better pedagogy and manage each student's many courses and goals. Clear boundaries and communication have proven to be key to maintaining a healthy and supportive learning environment for our students."
The school's year-round academic calendar is designed for students to have access to their school support and community, with breaks generally no longer than two weeks. This allows for deeper learning that ties to each student's academic and life goals, whether they are looking to attend college, go into a trade, or still decide what their lives will look like after graduation. Whether students choose to attend APEX for a quarter and then return to their home school or if they decide to stay with APEX through PSEO and/or graduation, all options are available to meet the needs and goals of the student as they navigate a life free from substance use.
For more information on APEX and steps to enroll, visit our website.