Sixty percent of kids in New York City schools will not graduate from high school. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but when I read that on the wall at [Harlem Village Academy Leadership] in Harlem I was pretty shocked. The school's founder Deborah Kenny explained that part of the problem is that quality teachers get frustrated by the system, having to teach for tests rather than really develop a child's interest in learning.

I had heard of the Village Academy Schools in Harlem before I visited. There are three of them including one high school and President Bush visited one last year during a push for No Child Left Behind. He commended them on some pretty impressive statistics; 98% of the academy eighth graders passed the state math test. The average in NYC is 46%. And, by the way, those math scores are the highest in the whole state of New York.

I could tell instantly that the school was different. First of all, they have a silent hallway policy. By enforcing a no talking rule and walking in single file line, the Village Academy can keep control. Kenny, who is also the founding principal, told me that's where most incidents of violence or bad behavior occur in other schools.

But I don't want to make it sound like a reform school. It isn't that strict. There's lots of fun and the students seem to be eager to share ideas and ask questions, but always with respect and good manners. The teachers were constantly and gently taking hands from the faces or chins and putting them on the desk and emphasizing the importance of eye contact when you're listening. So things don't get out of hand, the students do this cute little two finger salute on their forwards which means "I agree" or "I hear you."

I loved their t-shirts which had inspirational messages written on the backs like "Character is what you do when no one is looking" and "I am the leader of my life." They are constant reminders for all the kids sitting behind them.

In an age when most schools focus on finding ways to pass standardized tests, it's nice to see one right here in NYC where character counts and creativity is encouraged. I was invited to speak and share a little bit about my career and my life, but the truth is that I was the one who learned something.

It's amazing what a group of caring and compassionate adults who love their jobs can do for a school. Statistics that are so far above even the national averages prove the school is doing something right, but to really get it you have to go there and walk around. Seeing how disciplined these children are and watching their eager and attentive participation in class was really inspirational. This is God's work...and the children who are the recipients have much brighter futures as a result.

Original New York City Moms Blog Post, May 19, 2008

Katie Couric is the anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, and the mother of Ellie, 16, and Carrie, 12.