Community Resource

Raymond J. Lesniak E.S.H. Recovery High School

(908) 793-9800
Roselle

Raymond J. Lesniak E.S.H. Recovery High School

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 go hand in hand.

    Why attend a Recovery High School?

    When students with substance use issues complete inpatient treatment, or enter recovery through community-based or outpatient supports, returning to their home school can be challenging.

    For teens, school can present more triggers for a recurrence of use than any other environment. Recovery high schools are designed to provide a safe, supportive environment for teens in recovery where they can pursue their high school diploma and their recovery at the same time.

    Low student to staff ratio, on-site recovery support services, and our emphasis on positive peer connections enable our students to remain clean and sober and to graduate from high school. In a normal school environment, the odds are against their success. Recovery High Schools are designed to help these students thrive.

    Program Components:

    • Academic Success
    • Health & Wellness
    • Recovery Planning
    • Family Involvement
    • Recovery Mentorship

    Our Services

    • Blended learning environment, including in person instruction and virtual learning
    • In-school SAT prep
    • Post-secondary planning
    • Weekend/after school social, recreational & volunteer opportunities
    • Intensive recovery case management, assessment & referral to outside treatment
    • On & off site recovery mentorship
    • Auxiliary program, including sensory art & occupational therapy

    About Us

    The founding of the Raymond J. Lesniak Experience, Strength & Hope Recovery High School came about through a unique public/private partnership between one of the state’s leading non-profits focused on addiction prevention, Prevention Links, the award winning Union County Vocational Technical Schools (UCVTS) and Simon Youth Academy.

    We opened our doors in the fall of 2014 and have been serving NJ youth in need of recovery every since.

    Our purpose, as defined by the Association of Recovery Schools, is to, “educate students in recovery from substance use; meet state standards for awarding a secondary school diploma; intend that all students enrolled be in recovery and working a program of? recovery for substance use disorders…”

    Operated by the non-profit Prevention Links in partnership with the Union County Vocational Technical Schools (UCVTS) and Simon Youth Academy.

    Eligibility Recovery High School applicants must be: Currently enrolled high school students; Committed to obtaining a high school diploma; Committed to abstinence; Willing to partake in all aspects of programming at ESH; Willing to comply with out of school treatment recommendations if deemed necessary. ESH accepts students: With or without an individualized education program (IEP); With diagnosed co-occurring mental health conditions, provided they are being monitored by an outside professional; From outside Union County if they are within a reasonable distance (Middlesex, Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Morris, Somerset, Passaic, Sussex & Hunterdon Counties); Who are prescribed and adhering to a medication assisted treatment (MAT) protocol monitored by an outside professional.
    Age Groups
    • Adolescents
    Community Services
    Arts & Recreation
    Basic Needs / Assistance
    Community
    Education
    Employment / Training
    Family & Support Services
    Health Services
    Behavioral / Mental Health
    Crisis / Safety
    Intellectual and Developmental Needs
    Treatment Services
    Outpatient Services
    Payment Options
    • Free
    • State Funding
    Areas Served
    • State-Wide

    Last Updated: 06/22/23