Ed Leadership Alum, Neil Geyette, Implements New School

Like many teenagers, Tyteana and Tyana Gutzmore had become somewhat bored by the monotony of school. But when the twin sisters got accepted earlier this week to the U School - one of three new district high schools - their outlook quickly changed. "I just can't wait," Tyana said. "It's awesome. I just like the fact that they're doing something different."

 

Different, yes, but also innovative, the district believes. The school, in the former Ferguson School at 7th and Norris streets, is based on a problem-solving model that teaches students core subjects while challenging them with real problems. The school has no admissions criteria and its 115 students - it's small by design, with only ninth-graders this year - were selected through a lottery, with half from the surrounding neighborhoods and half from across the city.