October 2024

This month’s Education Expedition took us to Harmony Academy, a public, tuition-free recovery high school nestled in a tranquil grove of Douglas fir trees in Lake Oswego. We spoke with Dr. Tony Mann, Molalla River School District Superintendent and co-founder of the Oregon Recovery High School Initiative, alongside Harmony Academy’s Principal Sharon Dursi Martin, to learn about the roots of this pioneering school and the impact it’s making.

A Safe Haven for Students in Recovery
Harmony Academy provides a unique environment for students who often feel marginalized elsewhere. The school radiates a sense of belonging and accountability that students describe as transformative. This supportive atmosphere, built on a foundation of shared experiences and understanding, offers students the community they need to recover and thrive.

Dr. Mann credits Harmony’s success to a dedicated “coalition of the willing”—a network of partners across various sectors working in tandem to serve these students. By using data-driven approaches, Harmony Academy tailors its programs to effectively address the needs of its students, ensuring each one receives personalized, meaningful support.

Principal Dursi Martin explains why recovery high schools work so well: “We meet kids where they are, but we don’t leave them there.” Her insights into adolescent development emphasize the importance of distinct approaches for young people, as methods used in adult recovery programs often miss the mark with teens. Harmony Academy’s model grants students autonomy in their recovery journey, a critical factor for long-term sobriety and success.

Expansion Through Legislative Support
Thanks to the coordinated efforts of Dr. Mann, Principal Dursi Martin, and other leaders in the Oregon Recovery High School Initiative, House Bill 2767 passed, securing the establishment of three new recovery high schools for the 2024-25 school year, with plans to open three additional schools each biennium until the network reaches nine schools across the state.

Advice for New Schools in Recovery Education
For those looking to replicate Harmony’s success, Dr. Mann and Dursi Martin underscore the importance of hope and leading with empathy. “Lead with the heart,” they advise, affirming that maintaining a student-centered approach is key to supporting recovery in educational settings.

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This feature is part of our Education Expedition series, exploring stories of innovation and resilience in Oregon’s schools.  Click here to view a YouTube video of this episode.