Our Purpose

We have a purpose because you have a purpose.

When we see the data surrounding youth addiction in the United States, it paints an alarming picture. Yet, the data on the effectiveness of recovery high schools will renew your hope.

Nearly 1.3 million U.S. teens have a substance use disorder.

Drug and alcohol use among school age youth is a significant problem — both in Michigan and nationally. Recent data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that approximately 6% of 8th graders, 10% of 10th graders, and 14% of 12th graders, regularly use illicit substances. These numbers continue to grow, particularly in Michigan, where the state was recently identified as having the second highest rate of drug abuse in the country (Wallethub, 2019).

Recovery for these kids is often unsuccessful when they return to their schools of origin and are surrounded by the same peers — and the same opportunities to use. When faced with this issue, many families may select online high school as an option. However, that’s a simple answer for a complicated problem. The teens never develop strong coping skills because they are isolated from their peers. That’s why they need to be with peers who understand what it means to be a teenager in recovery.

Guiding Principles

Providing an academic environment for students in recovery means we take each day as it comes and commit to these guiding principles. At the end of the day, we believe they are the ones that will best serve our students, families, faculty and staff.

We believe a challenging academic curriculum and high expectations are critical to students achieving their highest potential.
We aspire to provide a rigorous curriculum to prepare students for post-secondary education.
We believe in progress, not perfection.
We believe a recovery high school is not a substitute for treatment but provides an optimal environment that advances recovery goals.
We reject a rigid definition of recovery and embrace multiple pathways to recovery.
We believe addiction is a disease that impacts the whole family; therefore, we see family as critical partners in the recovery process.
We believe recovery is strengthened as individuals increase their engagement in recovery-oriented activities.
We will listen to and hold each other accountable with love.

We are here for you.

Our mission is to provide a safe, sober and supportive academic environment where students can achieve their highest level of educational success and personal recovery.

Our Charter

Wellspring Academy is a tuition-free public charter school supported by Michigan International Prep School (MIPS). MIPS is an accredited public charter school in Michigan that utilizes an innovative model of online learning and in-person academic supports throughout Michigan. Through this partnership, Wellspring Academy will provide all recovery services and oversee day-to-day academic offerings. MIPS will provide curriculum, educational quality oversight, information systems and training.

About Wellspring

Wellspring Lutheran services is a statewide nonprofit committed to engaging people at every stage of life to help them experience and embrace their God-given potential. It’s work we’ve been doing for more than 125 years.

Wellspring helps change lives, build strong families and transform communities through a diverse set of services including: adoption services, affordable housing, assisted living, behavioral health, family preservation, foster care, home care, hospice and grief support, independent living, memory care, parenting support, short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing care and supportive housing for youths. More than 1,100 employees carry out our work statewide, impacting people in more than 50 of Michigan’s 83 counties.

Visit online at wellspringlutheran.com

Wellspring Academy is a program of Wellspring Lutheran Services, an independent nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation; and does not discriminate against any student because of race, gender, creed, religion or sexual orientation.

Contact Privacy

Made in Michigan by NK