Wildcat Academy Charter School, with sites in the Bronx and Manhattan, offers work experience and second chance at a high school diploma for older students who have struggled at other schools.

The Bronx location has a large professional kitchen where students learn advanced cooking techniques. The Manhattan location has an impressive science room decorated with fish tanks and stacks of specimens. The gym includes numerous new exercise machines and weights.

Wildcat is home to “one of the most difficult populations in the city,” according to Co-founder and Principal Ron Tabano. Dropouts, truants, students in foster care and those in the criminal court system are among the kids who come to Wildcat. The school day runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and students are required to attend a six-week summer program. The average student enters the school at age 17 and with just four credits.

Those with fewer than 21 credits begin at the school’s Bronx location at 1230 Lafayette Avenue, where there is a robust culinary arts program. Thanks to a generous grant, students in the program study advanced techniques in culinary, baking and dining room management in an airy 5,500-square-foot professional kitchen and dining room located on the school’s fourth floor.

Juniors and seniors move to Wildcat’s Battery Park campus located on the first floor of an office building. Here they begin participating in off-site internships, of which there are more than 65 to choose from. Students alternate between one week of classes and one week at internship sites such as politician’s offices, schools, warehouses, museums, libraries and real estate offices. Students are expected to adhere to strict guidelines for their internships and must fill out timesheets. In return, they are given stipends, and more money is granted for good grades and attendance.

Students may also participate in extracurriculars including yoga, karate and photography. The co-ed softball team recently won its third consecutive championship. Music and art are required as is a life skills class, which includes guest speakers, workshops and STD testing. College courses through Borough of Manhattan Community College are also available.

Tabano is proud of Wildcat’s progress with struggling students, attributing the success to patience and dedicated teachers, many of whom have eight or more years’ experience. He said frequent meetings and phone calls with parents and strict discipline help keep students enrolled. There are also advisory groups for younger students.

However, the principal admitted that tardiness was a problem and in the classrooms we observed, none had more than 10 students and most had around just five. (The average number of students enrolled is 14 to 20 per class.) We also noted that some groups of students, including those in the cafeteria and in one classroom, were unsupervised. A few were loitering in the halls.

Although the halls of the school are nicely decorated with student work we found the space cramped and worn. There is a tiny cafeteria with only about a dozen small, round tables and some staffers have to share offices. The school has a confusing layout and many of the classrooms are oddly shaped, with piles of books and papers strewn about. There is no gymnasium or outdoor space, and sports teams practice in city parks.

Special education: About 30 percent of students have special needs and most learn alongside their general education peers in integrated classrooms. Four special education teachers provide individual help when needed. In 2012, 10 to 15 percent of students were English language learners and teachers enter classrooms to work with them one-on-one.

College: Almost 60 percent of graduates choose to attend college, 10 percent chose the military and 30 percent choose to work, according to the school website.

Admissions: Students are admitted throughout the year. Applications are available on the school website (www.jvlwildcat.org) or by calling 212-209-6006. Once students apply, the principal holds a meeting with their parent or guardian. Open houses take place in the summer, as well as in January. (Nikki Dowling, October 2012)