FAQs
Questions are a good place to start.
Choosing a recovery high school can bring up a lot of questions. We get it.
Whether you are a parent, student, counselor or referral partner, we’re here to help you understand what Vivo is, how it works and what students can expect.
About Recovery High Schools
What is a recovery high school?
Recovery high schools like Vivo are designed for students recovering from substance use disorder.
They integrate academic instruction with holistic support that equips students with skills to live substance-free lives.
Who are Vivo schools for?
Vivo schools are for high school students committed to their recovery journey from substance use disorder who want to continue their education in a strong, peer-supported community.
Students may come to Vivo after treatment, during recovery or when their current school day does not support sobriety.
Enrollment is open year-round.
How is Vivo different from a traditional high school?
Vivo brings recovery and education into the same school day.
Students learn in a substance-free environment with recovery support, peer accountability and project-based learning connected to their interests, strengths and future goals.
Eligibility + Enrollment
Who can attend a Vivo school?
Any Missouri high school student in substance use disorder recovery can apply.
Students do not need prior substance use disorder treatment to apply. Find a Vivo location near you.
Does a student have to complete treatment before applying?
No. Students do not need prior substance use disorder treatment to apply.
Vivo can support students after treatment, during recovery or when they need a school environment built to support sobriety.
Who can refer a student?
Referrals may come from teachers, counselors, therapists and parents or guardians.
Students age 18 and older may self-refer.
Can students enroll during the school year?
Yes. Vivo offers year-round enrollment.
Students do not have to wait for a new semester or school year to start the conversation.
Academics + Graduation
Are Vivo schools “real” schools?
Yes. Graduating students receive a high school diploma.
Vivo creates individualized learning plans that align to each student’s post-secondary goals, Missouri Learning Standards, Common Core Standards and Missouri graduation requirements.
Vivo also collaborates with students to create the kinds of social experiences they enjoy.
Will credits count toward graduation?
Yes. Vivo students complete credit-building academic work aligned with Missouri graduation requirements.
The goal is to help students keep graduation, college and career in reach while getting the recovery support they need.
Does Vivo prepare students for college or career?
Yes. Vivo students work toward post-secondary goals as part of their individualized learning plans.
They build academic progress, real-world skills and college or career readiness through project-based learning.
What is project-based learning?
Project-based learning gives students hands-on experiences connected to their interests.
Students learn by exploring real-world problems, thinking critically, collaborating and creating work they can explain.
Recovery Support + Safety
What is the Vivo recovery program like?
The recovery program is structured, backed by medical and academic research and integrated into students’ education.
Recovery support includes:
- Trauma-informed culture
- Strong peer support and accountability systems
- Daily recovery meetings, led by students
- Collaboration with outside recovery organizations and therapists
- Specialized support staff
- Individualized relapse recovery plans
Will my student be safe at Vivo?
Vivo gives students a substance-free school environment with trained staff, peer accountability and recovery support built into the day.
Students also have individualized relapse recovery plans and collaboration with outside recovery organizations and therapists when appropriate.
What happens if a student relapses?
Vivo uses individualized relapse recovery plans.
The goal is to help students receive support, accountability and a path back into recovery.
Will students still work with their outside therapist or recovery provider?
Yes, when appropriate.
Vivo collaborates with outside recovery organizations and therapists as part of the student’s recovery support.
How does peer support work?
Students learn alongside peers who understand sobriety and want to keep choosing it.
Peer support and accountability systems help students sustain recovery and show up for each other every day.
Cost + Transportation
How much does it cost to attend a Vivo school?
Vivo schools are free to students.
Recovery should be accessible to all, so Vivo removes financial barriers many families may face to getting the support they need.
What about transportation to a Vivo school?
Vivo provides transportation to and from school using school-owned vehicles operated by properly licensed and trained school personnel.
Vivo complies with all state and federal requirements for student transportation.
Outcomes + Visits
Do recovery high schools work?
The recovery high school concept has been around for more than 30 years and continues to grow.
Compared to traditional substance use disorder interventions, recovery high school students have:
- 20 percentage points higher graduation rates
- 17 percentage points lower dropout rates
- 2x likelihood of sustained recovery
- An average of 5 fewer absences per 90 days
Can we visit before deciding?
Yes. Visiting is encouraged.
You can meet staff, see the school, ask questions and learn how Vivo supports recovery, academics and student life before making a decision.
You don’t need every answer. Start with a visit.
Bring your questions. Meet the people. See what a different school day can feel like.