[bboop]

I agree -- the large urban schools (here in LA) have tremendous problems, partly because of their size, that the smaller schools just don't have. It must be wonderful to teach in a small, neighborhood school?

[summer]

It was a small, neighborhood school, yes. And, like any school, you will have some kids who are a much bigger handful than others. But, this school had uniforms and overall, the students were extremely well behaved. It was the closest I have ever seen a public school be to a private school in many regards. And, again, we had a lot of parental involvement, which just makes a teacher's life so much easier. I think I knew almost every parent in that school.

It's interesting that Bill Gates and his wife are pushing for more small schools in urban areas. I have seen NYC coming out with a list of new small schools they are starting with Gates foundation money.

But, I am somewhat reluctant to believe a city like New York will actually find the space and dedication to maintain a "small" school such as the kind I am talking about. It seems to me these small schools may start out with good intentions, however, are just a few months away from overcrowding and other problems that quickly find their way into urban schools.

Maybe I am just being too downbeat or something. i would like to hear from any teacher actually working in a new "small" school located in an urban area, especially NY. That idea appeals to me in a big way but I just don't quite believe it actually exists.