David Mc Hugh, Ireland

It is almost an unwritten law that most teenagers are not to fond of their schools, whether it's because of an angry teacher or mean classmates or, most likely, boring subjects. Things are changing and the College of Staten Island High School for International Studies is one such school leading the change.

This school is about more than just learning the basics of life. It is also about learning from different cultures and how we interact with them.

"My school is different than others because we're an internationally focused  school. We are also a tight-knit family. Since everyone knows each other, it's a much more personal and loving school," said PEARL Reporter Ann Morin, who is in her second year at the high school. The school's mentor groups meet thrice a week. These groups consist of teachers and students, allowing students to have their say and be at the same level as the teacher. They frequently have college students come in as guest speakers and even invite professional college speakers to the school.

Their school newspaper, The International Insider, invites student editors and contributors from other countries and includes submissions about events in their schools as well as about world events. PEARL Reporters Dominique Johnson, Heather Vale, Ann Morin and Anam Baig attended the Celebration of Teaching and Learning Conference, along with their peers from other countries.

The subjects taught at the CSI High School are not confined to the curriculum or the classroom. Their principal, Aimee Horowitz, explained: "We try to meet each student where they are and help them progress academically, socially, and emotionally by helping them to become ethical and involved citizens of the world. This is done by having students learn about and experience world cultures through classroom learning, travel and communication with students in other countries. Our students are taught to think and form their own opinions and to take a stance and take action on issues of importance to them and to our world."

When asked how her school was different to others, Ms. Morin replied, "Academically, our school focuses on 'hands-on-learning.' We take virtual tours of things and places, we travel to museums and historical places, and we prepare for college by going to college fairs." Many students are involved in online blogs with students from around the world.

Subjects are linked together and made into an enjoyable experience for student and teacher. For instance, in math, students not only learn the basics of the subject but also learn about its rich history and its pioneers like Pythagoras. While doing geography, students incorporate math into their study by finding out the areas of certain parts of a country.

The school has three foreign languages: Mandarin Chinese, Japanese and Spanish. Learning a new language is always fun, but the teachers at CSI High School have found a way to make it even more enjoyable. For students studying Chinese and Japanese, they had a karaoke battle with songs in each of the languages.

"My school is much more caring about my future and my goals. They push us and let us know that the sky is the limit when you speak your voice and give it your all," said Teresa Konopka.

Now how many other high school students can say that so honestly about their schools?