The old-fashioned values found at Thomas A. Edison are in accord with the clean modern lines of the school's mid-century building. Thousands apply to the school's many Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, where students must fulfill all academic requirements for a Regent's diploma even as they learn a trade. Students major in trades like pharmaceuticals, mechanical engineering, commercial art, electrical installation, auto mechanics and information technology.

In many respects the school functions as a large, traditional high school offering its students solid academics, including seven Advanced Placement courses, along with a nice selection of clubs and athletic teams like Double Dutch, soccer, and bowling. Most of the academic classes look traditional with desks in rows and teachers up front, but there are variations. In an Environmental Science class, students watched clips from the sci-fi film Armageddon to learn about meteors and meteorites. Tenth graders in history discussed a Latin American revolution in small groups. "The name of the game is engagement," said Principal Anthony Barbetta. "Kids want to be here." Students seem particularly engaged in the shops and labs, where they can be found under the hood of a car, designing a newsletter, or identifying the best conditions in which to grow yeast.

[In August 2012, Barbetta left Thomas Edison to become principal of Townsend Harris High School. Replacing him is Moses Ojeda who has been at the school for many years: first as a student, then as a teacher and, most recently, as assistant principal of career and technical education.]

Shops take place in spacious, double-wide rooms with desks on one end and lab tables, computers, or car engines on the other. Academics are in smaller rooms with an average of 33 students per class.

Students hone their mechanic skills in the school's fully functioning, state-licensed garage where they service well over 100 cars per year. Students on the MOUSE Squad are on-call for in-house computer assistance. Seniors in Graphic Arts produce all the school's printing needs with the aide of a commercial grade digital printer, the kind one usually finds at stores such as Kinko's. They also take orders from the Center for Arts Education and area schools.

"Leadership," "Teamwork," "Respect" and "Self Control" are among ten "Edison Values." To promote these values, Barbetta greets students as they arrive each morning; coats must be stored in lockers; and cell phones cannot be visible. The principal has zero tolerance for misbehavior, and several hundred students are suspended each year, but this number has been declining over the years. Edison prides itself on nurturing leaders. Our mission is "to provide society with people who are productive, but even more, compassionate and aware of their community," said Cisco Network computer teacher John Rullan.

Students may not leave the campus during the school day, but in nice weather they may eat lunch in a courtyard that is also used for special events like barbecues or dancing under the stars. The school has no parent coordinator, because of budget cuts. About one-third of students responding to the 2011 Learning Environment Survey said the adults in the school don't know them well, possibly a reflection of overcrowding. Designed for 2,000, the school has about 2,300 students. Still, overcrowding has decreased in recent years and attendance has shown steady improvement.

College Admissions: More than two-thirds of graduates enroll either in two-year or four-year colleges, well above the city-wide average, according to the 2011 Progress Report. However, there is only one full-time college counselor. Regular assistance from at least three teachers and an aide increases the likelihood that college-bound seniors will get the assistance they need. Popular college choices include Hunter, City Tech and St. John's University. Kids find jobs at automobile dealerships and in information technology, among other fields.

Special education: Special education students may apply to any program and are mainstreamed in almost all of them. The school also has a life skills program for students with severe mental disabilities. A transition coordinator helps students figure out life beyond high school. Automotive teacher Jay Pascucci said the practical, hands-on nature of the Auto Tech program is "empowering" for his special needs students.

Admissions: Admission to all programs, except Electrical Installation, is screened, requiring a minimum grade of 75 in core subjects and good standardized test scores. A minimum of 85 is required for Medical Pharmaceutical. The majority of the students begin school performing on grade level. Barbetta said preference goes to kids who attend the open house and demonstrate a strong desire to be in the school. (October 2011, Lydie Raschka)