The school, opening with the blessing of the city's charter board, will initially be housed in temporary quarters on the hospital campus. Students will attend at least two AA meetings a week along with regular classes; every student will sign a pledge to abstain from alcohol and other drugs, and to report fellow students who violate the pledge.

"This is not an alternative school for kids that get suspended," says Rachelle Gardner, who will head the school. "It's a school for kids who are committed to staying clean and staying in recovery."

School officials hope to build the student body up to about 120 students over the next five years, with dorms and a new school building projected for the future.

"The biggest reason for an adolescent to relapse is from the school environment," says Fairbanks President Helene Cross. "When we talk to parents about Recovery High, you can see relief come over their faces. They won't have to worry about their using friends or that temptation."

The Indianapolis school is using the Sobriety High School in Minnesota as a model.

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