Triangle's first high school for students in recovery to open in August

As an adolescent, the Wrights’ son struggled with heroin addiction. At the time, his parents had a hard time finding help, because he was under 18 and there weren’t many resources.

"I remember the desperation and the hopelessness a parent feels when they keep trying to help their son or daughter. I’ll always remember that," Leah Wright said.

The Wrights’ son is two and a half years into recovery and doing well. But, that is not always the case. That’s why Wake Monarch Academy was created.

Educator addresses son's addiction with plan for high school to help others

Wake Monarch Academy provides a normal high school education, with recovery support throughout the day, and the knowledge for students that their peers are going through similar things.

"There truly needs to be a recovery high school in every county and state. In our first year, we will have a maximum of 10 students and that does not even touch the need that’s out there," Wright said.

Wright hopes her academy will provide other families the help she and her family once desperately needed.

"Even though the journey was a difficult one, without it, there wouldn’t be Wake Monarch Academy," Wright said.

There are admission requirements before applying for the academy. One of the requirements is students must come from a 30-day treatment program.

The school will open in August of 2021. Wright says the school is the first of it’s kind in the Triangle and is much needed.