Catalyst Alternative Private High School Boulder, CO

DRUG PHILOSOPHY

We believe that good health is critical for a student to thrive academically. Our goal is to prevent students from using drugs illegally and to provide the support to help a student keep from slipping back into an old bad habit that interfered with experiencing a full life and with success in school. Our students, parents and other stakeholders want Catalyst to be a safe and welcoming place that is free of issues related to the illegal use of drugs. That is why all students and parents/guardians must agree to all terms in the Illegal Use of Drugs Prevention Policy for a student to attend.
“The purpose of periodic testing is not to catch, punish, or expose students who use drugs, but to save their lives and discover abuse problems early so that students can grow up and learn in a drug-free environment.”

- Anonymous

MANDATORY DRUG SCREENING

We require that each student take a urine analysis (UA) before starting Catalyst. The screen tests for marijuana, opiates, methamphetamine, ecstasy, cocaine, barbiturates, and many other controlled substances. All students are screened two times per year. Students who have struggled to stay clean in the past may be subject to periodic or random drug testing.

Because we consider illegal drug use to be a health-related concern, if a student is suspended from school for a positive UA he or she is required to meet with a Catalyst Counselor periodically during the suspension, as well as continuing studies at home and participating in community service during school time.

Catalyst does not provide primary therapeutic treatment for substance abuse-related issues. But, we may accept a student from time to time who has used drugs in the past but is now committed to sobriety. We offer expert support for the student, and we offer limited in-house counseling support and referrals for resources in the community for both students and families.

Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS): 2007

The 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) was conducted in Boulder County public high schools in November 2007 to learn more about the health behaviors of the youth in our community. Data from each of the two local school districts, as well as aggregate data for the county can be found in the report.

Corresponding narrative reports, including survey background, methodology, results, tables, graphs, and observations may be found at the Boulder County Public Health website.

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