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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.

I am working pt (volunteer) in a small charter school, jr + high, in Los Angeles. In a suburban district. We have a wonderful, great visionary Principal, dress code, on-fire teachers; kids have to sign up to go there and can be kicked out at any time. (Which I believe is one of the great pluses.) Huge number of parent and community volunteers.

There seems to be what I suspect is jealousy in the district at large; there are those on the board who want to support this school. There are many in the Board and up who want to close it because ... what? it makes the existing High Schools look bad, is what I think. They say it would be for financial reasons, but I don't believe it is only that. I think it is because this little school is rocking the boat, challenging the status quo, and there are many Administrators invested in keeping the status quo.

It is a small school; kids come from inside and outside the district. Parents are involved. It is attracting people who really care about education for their kids.

Where I live, the MCS system is trying to save money (by closing schools, but not by removing inflated adminstrative costs, etc.) but also maintain the status quo. If they did move from the oversized urban indoctrination centers, the system might work better.

They have also stepped up to the plate in the last 2 years, because there is more competition from charter schools who are catering to the smart lower socioeconomic kids. It's nice to see some competition for these kids.