American Indian Public Charter School

Senior Deana Perez reads Milton Friedman. Part of the school’s mission statement promises to prepare students to be “productive members in a free market capitalist society.”  (Dave Getzschman / For the Times)

Sixth-graders Robert Muñoz, Elizabeth Perez, Olivia Chen and Raven Garcia log classmates’ laps during P.E. At American Indian Public Charter, physical education consists of running and calisthenics, and no games.  (Dave Getzschman / For the Times)

Sixth grader Raymond Huang sits in detention at American Indian Public Charter. “We are extremely strict,” says Principal Janet Roberts. “You don’t put up with any nonsense and learning can occur.”  (Dave Getzschman / For the Times)

Sixth-graders Carmen Lin and C.J. Hames congratulate each other after a timed run while Robert Muñoz logs the laps traveled by his classmates. Physical education regularly includes timed miles, push-ups and sit-ups. “Other schools are playing games,” says Principal Janet Roberts. “Everything on the physical fitness test is what we focus on.”  (Dave Getzschman / For the Times)

Sixth graders pack their bags at the close of class. The school’s teaching and disciplinary methods are controversial, but its standardized test scores are among the top in the state.  (Dave Getzschman / For the Times)

Former Principal Ben Chavis teases senior Karely Ordaz while Deana Perez looks on during a lecture on economist Milton Friedman. “What we’re doing is so easy,” says the man who created the school’s success and personifies its ethos, especially in its more outrageous manifestations. (One example: He tends to call all non-white students, including African Americans, “darkies.”) Although he retired in 2007, Chavis remains a presence at the school..  (Dave Getzschman / For the Times)

Seniors listen to a lecture by former principal Ben Chavis, who still is a major presence at the charter schools.  (Dave Getzschman / For the Times)