Ostiguy High School was established to provide a safe, sober and supportive school environment in which youth in recovery could develop skills and strengths needed for personal and academic success.
Youth affected by substance use/abuse often experience substantial educational losses. They miss out on time and opportunities for achievement while using drugs and alcohol. This creates considerable obstacles to school re-entry when they return. Ostiguy High School addresses these challenges directly by integrating the Boston Public School academic curriculum with the development of supportive life skills necessary for students in recovery.
The Gavin Foundation, Boston Public Schools and Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) collaborated to open the William J. Ostiguy High School in September 2006. It was the first recovery high school in Massachusetts and the first in the nation to be accredited by the Association of Recovery Schools.
Students may be referred by schools, parents, courts, state agencies, drug and alcohol treatment agencies, and other community-based and residential programs. Ostiguy High School annually serves 75 students from the greater Boston area, also accepting students from across eastern Massachusetts.
Students are expected to be sober at admission and committed to an individual plan of recovery. Recognizing the importance of family participation, both youth and parent/guardian agree to work together and be accountable for maintaining sobriety. To learn more please visit the websites of Ostiguy High School and Massachusetts Recovery High Schools.