Teens from a struggling L.A. public campus get a chance to shine at prestigious private schools

What impressed Joel Argueta first about Harvard-Westlake School was his locker -- a wide, ample affair that holds his backpack and all of his books. There's also a student lounge with comfortable couches, where he does homework and meets with new friends. "Overall," he said, "it is spectacular."

By Carla Rivera

October 21, 2008