The Raymond J. Lesniak Experience Strength and Hope Recovery High School (E.S.H.) opened in September of 2014 and is the first public recovery high school in the state of New Jersey. E.S.H.’s mission is to create an environment where education and recovery from addiction go hand in hand
What Makes a Recovery High School Different?
Recovery high schools differ from traditional and other alternative high schools in mission and goals. ESH Recovery High School combines common core aligned education with addiction recovery supports. ESH provides assistance to our students and their families as they work to maintain and strengthen their sobriety through an integrated curriculum, peer support, family programs, counseling and understanding of the unique challenges that face the adolescent in recovery. ESH works with students, families and their treatment professionals to help support and further the students’ recovery plan.
Why ESH Recovery High School?
Studies conducted by the NIH have identified the major life challenges facing students trying to recover from addiction. The largest among these is re-entry into school: “For teenagers, school often sits at the heart of relapse.” These same studies have shown the first 60 days following completion of treatment are the greatest time of risk of relapse. This is particularly important when one considers the results of a study that has shown that, “virtually all adolescents returning to their old school reported being offered drugs on their first day back in school.” ESH is a safe, supportive environment that combines an academic excellence with the tools needed to support recovery. Our program combines five components that we have identified as keys to successful recovery – high-quality curriculum and instruction, supportive counseling, sober mentor support, physical and mental wellness, and parental engagement. We are not a treatment program.
Entrance Requirements –
ESH is a school for those students recovering from substance abuse disorder and related behaviors. Students seeking acceptance to ESH must be committed to attaining their high school diploma, as well as maintaining sobriety. Students must demonstrate this commitment through advancement in their course work, as well as abstinence from drugs and alcohol, attendance in prescribed after-care programs, and recovery meetings (AA/NA). Participation in ESH must be voluntary and supported by the students’ sending district. Addiction is a family disease and student’s success in remaining clean and sober requires a buy-in from all stakeholders. These include family members, the recovering student, and the student’s treatment team (if applicable).
What happens if a student relapses?
ESH Recovery HS recognizes that for some students, relapse can be part of their journey to a sustained recovery. Addicted persons often exhibit certain behaviors which have been understood to: a) signal relapse, b) lead to relapse, and/or c) signal an unwillingness to pursue an education at ESH Recovery High School. ESH has a policy that addresses relapse and is reviewed with each student and their family during intake and orientation.
Who pays f or the student’s tuition?
The ESH High School is part of the Union County Vocational Technical School District. Per pupil costs for students are paid by the home (sending) district, pursuant to UCVTS policies and agreements. Any additional costs for students to attend will be supplemented through fundraising initiatives. Students’ sending district is also responsible for providing transportation to ESH High School.
