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Many schools struggle with the challenge of educating inner-city students. But, one Tulsa school may be on the cutting edge of urban education reform.
San Miguel Middle School is succeeding without high-tech facilities. It only takes kids from low-income families who are often a couple of years behind on their studies.
By the time the 8 o'clock bells toll at St. Francis Xavier, a unique school day is underway down in the basement. Sixty-six students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades are here almost ten hours a day, year round.
The San Miguel School leases the humble space and uses parts of other buildings to get the students ready for school. They use an old-school system with emphasis on the basics like reading, respect and discipline.
Most of the students are Hispanic. To take part, they must be here legally or working on that status. The school is sponsored by Tulsa's Catholic Diocese. Bishop Edward Slattery says these kids cannot be ignored.
"These kids deserve a chance," Slattery says. "And, the church has an obligation to reach out to them, precisely because they are in need of a decent education."
And that's what they are receiving -- complete with two meals and snacks to make sure they are fueled up to learn.
The San Miguel model is being used in a number of cities across the country. It relies on small classes and long hours so the teachers can really get to know the students on a personal level.
"Everyone is an individual and is going to have different needs," says Principal Anne Edwards. "And, what works for one child is not going to work for another child to fill the separate and individual needs of them."
The teachers say going small makes a huge difference. They say the kids really want to learn, but they are shy about letting it show. The system helps teachers unlock the puzzle that each child presents.
"You get to know them so well that you know what's going to work for each individual," says Activities Director Joseph Kilmade. "I know who to be stern with, I know who to joke around with and who to go right to the parents with."
That kind of attention adds up to about six-thousand dollars a year in tuition. The parents contribute a modest monthly fee and help out by donating their time.
San Miguel is almost entirely funded by donations and that means no-frills operation. The soccer field is an asphalt parking lot, the goals are marked with two chunks of pavement. But, in team sports like their classwork, the kids are winners without the facilities that most take for granted.
Unfortunately, the school doesn't have much in the way of resources. There isn't much to the school's library. It's mostly paperback, but it does get a lot of use. The kids read 90 minutes in class every day.
The kids will tell you it's working for them. And, they don't want to go back to their previous schools.
"It's smaller and you get more chances like one on one instruction and stuff. That's what I like," says student Roberto Gomez.
"I have good friends here. I have teachers who care about me. I like it," adds Milipza Macedo.
The teachers say it's amazing what these disadvantaged kids can do when given a chance.
"Middle school is difficult enough as it is having to deal with all the issues," says teacher Zachary Ufnar. "And to take the other issues they deal with and to just persevere and to keep going on. They inspire me."
A school in the run-down basement of a church is creating young scholars. And, lives that were clouded by uncertainty now have a shot at bright and promising futures.
All twenty members of San Miguel's first graduating class completed their first year of high school. And, of that number, fifteen are in Catholic high schools. Those students posted a combined grade point average of 3-point-65.
Right now, the school is raising money for a new building. They want all of the students in one safe, secure facility. If you would like to help, call 728-7337.
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