Since 1978, Bronx Regional has given students who were unsuccessful in high school a second chance to earn their diploma. Many students have experienced the troubles of living in a high crime, low-income neighborhood: gangs, teen-pregnancies, homelessness, and domestic violence. Nonetheless they are polite, soft-spoken, and address the principal with "Sir." The students we saw in class were so serious and focused it's hard to believe they were once failing students.

"We have a level of trust and faith in this building," said Principal Colin Thomas, noting that there are no metal detectors, and students may leave the building for lunch.

Thomas monitors hallways, visits classrooms everyday, and is quick to correct a student for violating any rule. "We expect a harmonious state," he said. "I have no tolerance for misbehaving students."

Thomas runs a clean and orderly school. Classes are small and teachers are experienced and professional. Students and teachers use Smart Boards (large screens that are connected to computers) and classrooms are filled with National Geographic magazines, and books by authors ranging from Shakespeare to James Baldwin.

The school offers a mostly no-frills education, with just enough courses to allow students to graduate. There are few electives. However, students who arrive without their art credit are treated to a fully-supplied pottery class, where they learn to design, mold, and paint ceramic masks and pots. One downside: Attendance is spotty.

Semesters are divided into two cycles, so that students who arrive mid-semester can still earn 3 ½ credits, and those who are willing to stay until 4:40 p.m. may earn an additional two credits each semester. Seniors who need only a few credits to graduate may do an independent study, rather than attend school all day.

Montefiore Medical Center offers free medical and dental services, and students receive birth control, teeth cleanings, and psychological treatment in the building. The center also serves students' children.

To introduce students to post-graduation opportunities, the school hosts career and college fairs and helps arrange college tours. "We're working on getting more students to go onto college," said an assistant principal.

Special education: The school provides support services outside regular classes.

Admissions: Students must have 15 credits, be 16 years or older, and have attended another high school. Prospective students should call the school to arrange a test date. The school has a LYFE program, which supports student parents with childcare and parenting classes. There are only 18 spots available in the LYFE program, and there are far more applicants than seats, so parents are selected through a lottery. (Vanessa Witenko, September 2007)