\n
The name reflects the key components of the school’s identity:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Peers:<\/strong> The emphasis on a community of fellow students facing similar challenges.<\/li>\n
- Enjoy:<\/strong> For so many, it is the first time they ever enjoyed school and look forward to coming every day.<\/li>\n
- Sober Education:<\/strong> The primary focus on academic achievement within a substance-free space.<\/li>\n
- Peace:<\/strong> The feeling of stability and safety that a supportive, sober community provides.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Partnership with Minneapolis Public Schools:<\/strong>
\nP.E.A.S.E. operated as a contract alternative school with Minneapolis Public Schools until 2003.<\/p>\nTransition to a charter school:<\/strong>
\nP.E.A.S.E. Academy operated as a contract alternative school with Minneapolis Public Schools until 2003. In 2004, the school partnered with Minnesota Transitions Charter Schools, which helped it remain open when other recovery high schools in the state closed.<\/p>\nRelocation:<\/strong>
\nIn the fall of 1989, the school moved to its current location in the Dinkytown neighborhood of Minneapolis, renting space from the University Lutheran Church of Hope.<\/p>\nExpanding a movement:<\/strong>
\nP.E.A.S.E. was a pioneer in the recovery school movement, which at one point included 13 such schools in Minnesota. The school’s continued success is notable, as most others eventually closed due to budget and priority shifts.<\/p>\nLong-term leadership:<\/strong>
\nMichael Durchslag, who started as a social studies teacher in 1995, became the school’s director in 2007 and has been a driving force in its longevity.<\/p>\nToday, P.E.A.S.E. Academy remains an accredited charter high school serving students in grades 8\u201312. It continues to provide academic instruction, peer support, and counseling services to teens in recovery.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
P.E.A.S.E. Academy is committed to:<\/h3><\/div>- <\/i><\/span>
\n
Service learning requirement for graduation<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>
\n
Providing a safe, sober community based on recovery principles<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>
\n
Protecting the health of our sober community and addressing student struggles with sobriety<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>
\n
Staff who are knowledgeable and supportive of chemical dependency and recovery issues<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>
\n
A learning environment which is challenging, nurturing, and safe<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>
\n
Maintaining a small supportive school environment with a maximum enrollment of 70 students<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>
\n
A teaching ratio of 1 teacher to 17 students<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>
\n
Helping students define their own unique vision for a productive and healthy future<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>
\n
Supporting students as they develop deeper self-awareness and inner strength, more meaningful social relationships, and a great sense of purpose<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>
\n
Acknowledging the potential of each student to achieve academic success and unlimited personal growth<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>
\n
Practicing a restorative justice model to address conflicts and helping the community gain deeper understanding through respecting every voice<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>
\n
Increasing students\u2019 cognitive capabilities in the areas of language skills, critical thinking, and mathematical reasoning<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
![\"High](\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271000%27%20height%3D%27667%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201000%20667%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271000%27%20height%3D%27667%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\")
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"P.E.A.S.E.](\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%27900%27%20height%3D%27600%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%20900%20600%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%27900%27%20height%3D%27600%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\")
<\/div><\/div>
Request more information<\/h3><\/div>