Students who are interested in health and medicine will find a variety of classes and career options at WATCH. Partnerships with hospitals, community groups and universities provide internships, and a career track trains students to become nursing assistants. A committed staff has set up extra classes and support for the many students who come in below grade level and works hard to address safety concerns at this East New York school.

"We want to graduate a well adult," says Principal Kim Wanliss, who has guided the school since 2004. The school tries to bring students up to speed academically while at the same time encouraging them to make healthy choices – both for their bodies and minds.

WATCH has maintained it community partnerships, which come with extra money, even as other small schools have lost their extra funding. This allows them to offer a nutrition program, run an onsite health center, and place students in internships at Brookdale Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering and NYU Medical Center. In addition to the nursing assistant program, a dental assistant career track is in the works.

For the many struggling students who come to WATCH, there are double periods in some core subjects, after-school tutoring and Saturday school. There are also three guidance counselors. A male leadership program, Counseling In Schools, a United Way drop-out prevention program and a city student absence program have all helped to boost attendance.

A partnership with Syracuse University allows higher-achieving students to earn six college credits. Advanced classes are limited, but there is an AP biology class and a psychology honors class.

Located in the highest crime precinct in the city, the schools on the Jefferson campus where WATCH is located have worked with the NYPD to create a safe passageway to and from the school. The same problems that exist in the neighborhood and surrounding housing projects sometimes seep into the school. All students must pass through metal detectors. Guards were courteous the day we visited, but security is tight and the process can be intimidating. The staff makes an effort to make students feel welcome once they get inside. Passing in the hallways can be loud, but it is monitored to make sure students get to class.

College admissions: There is a part-time dedicated college advisor. All seniors are required to apply to college. Popular college choices include CUNY and SUNY schools, Spelman, St. Johns University and Penn State.

Special education: There are Integrated Co-teaching classes with two teachers. There are also small classes for students with specific issues, which act as a bridge for students coming from self-contained classrooms.

After school: The campus hums after school ends. There are numerous high-powered sports teams shared with other schools in Jefferson, academic tutoring and clubs such as film, meditation, music and cheerleading.

Admissions: Priority goes to students who live in the school's zone and who attend an information session. (Meredith Kolodner, May 2012)