Theresa and Jason on Bronx Prep

At eleven, Jason was about to become another statistic, one more kid held back in school with little hope of ever graduating.

But Jason's grandmother refused to let that happen. Despite suffering with severe asthma, Theresa had raised Jason since he was a baby and she wasn't about to give up on him. She'd heard about the Bronx Preparatory Charter School, a school that was tough and demanding but got results. Though it would take an hour to get there, when Bronx Prep had an open spot for Jason, Theresa sent him.

Bronx Prep is different. In 2006, the school's math and reading scores beat the district averages by 25 and 15 points respectively. Expectations are high, but there was encouragement for Jason from teachers who just wouldn't accept less than a total effort. And it worked. The eight-hour school days followed by two hours of nightly homework didn't faze Jason. He thrived, and his grades jumped. Now entering eighth grade, Jason sees himself as a winner, a young man heading for college.

"I know how far he's come and how far he's going. Nothing will stop him now," says a proud Theresa.

On to Partners in Success