One step, one day, one success at a time: Chesterfield Recovery Academy is a year-round program serving high school students from central Virginia who are recovering from drug addiction.

Virginia’s first recovery high school, the program opened in August 2022. Recovery high schools are designed for students who are in early recovery from substance-use disorders. Chesterfield Recovery Academy students receive the academic, emotional and social support necessary to complete their high school education. The program also provides flexibility to allow students to participate in internships or hold a job while enrolled. This structured system of support and preparation for the future sets students on a path toward continued success.

In addition to Chesterfield County Public Schools, the program receives assistance from health agencies, local and state government programs, police and legal agencies to help students navigate through recovery while working toward their high school diploma. The program is funded through legislation approved by the Virginia General Assembly and Virginia’s governor in June 2022.

Students attend school each day in person. Because students enter Chesterfield Recovery Academy at different academic levels, classes are conducted online to allow each student an individualized, self-paced curriculum that meets their needs. Students have access to all credits needed for graduation, including:

• English

• World language

• Mathematics

• PE/health

• Science

• Pathway/internship 

• Social studies

• Unified arts

• Computer science

Virginia’s first recovery high school program celebrated success during a May 16 completion ceremony with families and other supporters (including therapy dog Lettie) in attendance. A total of 23 students completed the 2023-24 school year at Chesterfield Recovery Academy, and 10 of those students completed their high school diploma requirements and will graduate with their high school classes later in May.

With the philosophy “One step, one day, one success at a time,” Chesterfield Recovery Academy serves high school students from throughout central Virginia who are recovering from drug addiction. The program is a collaboration among 15 localities, the commonwealth of Virginia and community partners. The program opened in August 2022, making 2023-24 its second year of existence.

Speakers at the completion ceremony expressed pride in what students have accomplished and what they will accomplish in the future. Chesterfield County Public Schools Superintendent Merv Daugherty advised students to not let yesterday define tomorrow. Chesterfield County School Board Chair Dot Heffron encouraged students to be kind and believe in themselves. Del. Carrie Coyner gave each student a handcrafted bracelet as a reminder they are loved and supported in their journeys.

Chesterfield Recovery Academy is open to students from Region 1 school divisions in central Virginia:

• Charles City County

• Chesterfield County

• Colonial Heights

• Dinwiddie County

• Goochland County

• Hanover County

• Henrico County

• Hopewell

• New Kent County

• Petersburg

• Powhatan County

• Prince George County

• Richmond

• Surry County

• Sussex County

To be considered for enrollment, students must be substance free for 20 to 30 days. Once enrolled, students may remain in Chesterfield Recovery Academy through graduation or may return to their home school when they feel ready to do so. If the academy reaches its enrollment limit, applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Admission continues on a rolling basis as openings become available. 

To be considered for enrollment, complete the interest form and a staff member will contact you for more information.