After Bower, then a public school administrator, bought two run-down warehouses for $25,000, she renovated the smaller building and opened the school with only four classrooms and 50 students in 2001. Three years later, Bower raised more funds to refurbish the larger building, hoping to expand the student body to 125 students.

Renovations include a new science lab, four classrooms with computer stations, and two rooms dedicated to counseling, with a library still progress.

As a charter school, Dohn doesn't receive matching state funds, so Bower still needs to raise $650,000 from grants, loans, and donations to finish the renovations. She solicits help from volunteers for the refurbishing work, including her nephew, a Scout helping out with a friend.

"I knew from my experience as a school administrator that when students showed problems with drugs and alcohol, we didn't have a way of helping them. Oftentimes, they couldn't access treatment," Bower said, explaining the need for a school that provided recovery programs.

Dohn offers Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and chemical dependency counseling, and is the only school in the state to conduct random drug tests to get help to the students who need it.

"I felt that there had to be some safety net," said Bower. "It makes sense to provide these services in a school setting. All kids should be in school."