SANTA ANA, California—After a quarter-century of teaching, David Greenwald found his dream school in the back end of an outdated shopping mall in Southern California. Here, in an experiment in both urban design and education, Mendez Fundamental Intermediate School is offering students more options for the future than they ever imagined.

Greenwald teaches middle-schoolers in a cutting-edge technology lab, where students explore 16 career fields through hands-on activities and collaborative problem solving. "Each module consists of computer instruction, Internet research, critical writing, short videos and video clips, and a final project," he explains. "The program offers students opportunities to develop their skills, knowledge, problem solving, work ethic, and attitudes in preparation for future occupations." To underscore the career focus, Greenwald often refers to his students as "employees" in the tech lab. "These are the engineers and leaders of tomorrow," he predicts with confidence.

The featured occupations cover a wide spectrum: flight technology, audio communications, electronics, computer-numeric-control milling, electricity, computer graphics and animation, digital music, laser technology, material processing, mechanisms technology, structural technology, robotics, energy and power, computer-aided drafting, video production, environment and ecology, and research and development.

Each of the 16 modules is designed to balance theory and practical experience with hands-on activities. "Students are exceptionally motivated," Greenwald says, "causing them to be successful at advanced levels of learning. This is definitely the most challenging course my students have attempted, but it is also the most rewarding. Students are begging to get into this class."

Students range from 12 to 14 years old, but only half have computer access at home. Spanish is the first language for many. They warm up quickly to the sophisticated equipment. Students experiment with fiber optics in the laser module, use a synthesizer and other sound effects to compose and record digital music, and program a robot to perform tasks while playing music. In their study of energy and power, they assemble a gasoline engine and create a model electric vehicle. In the flight technology unit, they build and launch their own air-powered rockets.

Clearly, this is a special school. Although it's part of the public school system, this is a school of choice. Parents must apply for their children to be accepted, and no transportation is provided. Expectations are high for both behavior and academics.

Students who accept the challenge find themselves in an environment where they're expected to direct their own learning. Teaching strategies appeal to multiple intelligences, so that each student can find a route to success.

For a teacher like Greenwald, the Mendez school is a dream come true. "This is my third year teaching in this environment," he says, "and it has definitely been the highlight of my 28 years of teaching. My students actually complain when an assembly interrupts our class time. The technology lab is an investment in our students' future. I have become a better person and teacher as a result of stretching my abilities to fit the unique requirements of the lab."

His students have grown, as well, and not only in their understanding of technology and careers. One day last year, an electronic scale valued at $115 went missing. Greenwald stressed to his students "the overwhelming need for 100 percent honesty and trust for this lab to run successfully." He reminded students that "friends need to work together to become more successful citizens." That afternoon, the scale was returned. "It was nice to get the scale back," Greenwald says, "but it was far more significant to witness young lives being positively affected."