He fills a big void in our classroom. He reminds the student that without a high school diploma or GED, you're stuck. When you're educated, you have different options.

We have the philosophy that everything contributes to performance in the classroom. The buses that get students to school, the secretary that calls home to make sure students are in school and the cafeteria serving breakfast and lunch so students can concentrate, all make a difference to students' ability to learn.

When he first started taking classes here, he was quiet and shy. He would just quietly slip into class.

When Ray got his diploma, he felt more confident, and it showed in his walk. He opened up more. He became very positive.

An old student of Miss Brown's came to the classroom to tell them what happens if they aren't in school. He said that he was in and out of jail and homeless, and pretty much that you have to stay in school.

When they enter seventh grade, they are dispersed throughout the school so that there are mentors in every classroom.