PINE TWP, Mercer County — Education plays a large part in rehabilitating delinquent boys at George Junior Republic.

In fact, Tammi Martin, principal at the school, called it a "critical component."

George Junior Republic is a private, nonprofit, residential treatment facility for delinquent and dependent boys ages 8 to 18.

Most of the boys who come through the program stay for less than a year. During that time, they receive their education at the on-site school, which, although a part of Grove City School District, is funded by the boys' home districts.

Martin said the facility's overall rehabilitation model, which is incorporated into the school, focuses on building self-esteem. Esteem is built by using external factors and rewards to move students toward a point where internal rewards become more important, Martin said.

When the boys first enter the school, they are tested to determine their proficiency levels. According to Martin, 90 percent of the students come into the school at a reading level lower than their age's average.

"I wouldn't assume they don't care. I would assume they've been unsuccessful," Martin said.

Students testing under their level are put into tutoring programs, often led by other students who were originally enrolled in the program. Through the tutoring and other pre- and post-school programs, many students leap ahead two or three grade levels per year.

But Martin attributes such strides to more than programs. "It's the first time these kids are successful," she said, "and they get hooked."

Brian Reiser, a math teacher at the school, agreed. "Once they get some success, then success builds success," he said.

Students are encouraged on to further success through the Accelerated Reader program, in which they receive points for the books they have read. The bigger the book, the more points they receive. At the end of each six-week grading period, the students with the most points are treated to a special luncheon.

"It's fun, and it's different," Martin said.

The Terrific Tiger honor role rewards good behavior. It is based on attitude and behavior, rather than grades. Students are named to the honor role and receive small gifts each six-week period if three teachers nominate them.

"They're very receptive to being rewarded," Martin said, although rewards aren't always tangible.

"The majority of the staff wants to be here to help kids, and that positive rapport they develop gets kids hooked," she said. "Even some kids you think you're not going to get to — it's amazing. It happens!"It is common for students to show their appreciation to teachers for helping them find success. Many teachers receive letters from students, and it is not unusual, said English teacher Cindy Philson, for students to come to her saying she helped them accomplish something they had never done before."When they get something, you see it right away," Reiser said. "It isn't hidden. You actually have students say, 'Thank you.'"Not all the boys meet the criteria for traditional classrooms. Some are put into remedial classrooms, but, because the George Junior school is part of the public school system, those students are still required to meet state standards. Special textbooks are used to ensure that requirements are met.Martin explained the standardized state test scores don't always reflect the quality of education received at the school. Some students are at the school only a week before the tests are administered, and those scores actually reflect the education the students received at their previous schools.Beyond the remedial courses, classes are structured for average students and those who may attend college.For example, Philson's classes usually look like an English class at any other school: Students cluster in groups at worktables to discuss a recent reading assignment while Philson moves from site to site answering questions about an upcoming project.Some students flip through books and encyclopedias, while others take notes to be handed in at the end of the period."You would be amazed at how similar they are," Philson said.Older students are encouraged to attend vocational classes in welding, auto body, auto mechanics, food service, building trades and computer networking."It's definitely needed," Martin said of the vo-tech program. "For some students, it's the best option."The school has an average enrollment of about 450 students and employs 55 teachers and 35 support staff.