This breaks my heart. As a veteran urban school teacher, I have long advocated for honors schools. Not honors classes, honors schools, schools with a strict dress code and high standards for behavior and academics. And enough room so every kid who qualifies can get in.
We actually have a public honors school in my district. It is a wonderful, orderly place. Students can take chemistry one period, then violin lessons the next. Students who misbehave are gone, and gone fast.
But there is only room for a small fraction of the students who apply. Those who don't get in end up in their chaotic neighborhood schools.
When "honor student" is used, I can't help but think of "The Bonfire of the Vanities" as a first response.
However, regardless, the kid might shown some aspect of civilization that his "soul brothers" couldn't abide.