Founded in 2008 as part of the successful Internationals Networks for Public Schools, Pan American International High School (PAIS) at Monroe offers new immigrants—mostly from rural areas of the Dominican Republic—the chance to learn English and complete high school. PAIS shares the James Monroe Educational Complex, a large building that was first divided into small schools in 1994.

All classes are taught in English. Students work in teams, and those who have been speaking English for longer help explain concepts in Spanish to the newest arrivals. Many of the students have had limited or interrupted education in their native language and have trouble reading in Spanish as well as English.

Nearly all parents responding to a Department of Education survey said they were happy with the education their child received and with the way the school communicates with parents. School officials say they try to create strong relationships with families, and point to the fact that nearly 100 parents came to a PTA meeting as a sign of their success.

However, there are significant issues with discipline. One-third of the students say they don't feel safe in the corridors and locker rooms and half the teachers say the school is disorderly, according to the Learning Environment Survey. Moreover, there is significant friction between the administration and staff. More than half the teachers say they mistrust the principal and fewer than half say she is an effective manager, the survey said.

Admissions: Open to students who have been in the United States for less than four years. (Clara Hemphill, compiled from DOE data and interviews, March 2012)