The Chicago Military Academy brings the ethos of military discipline to high school pupils, with roll calls, saluting, marching bands and an emphasis on fitness and punctuality.

"We are not training soldiers, we are using military methodology to educate these students," said the school's commandant, Frank Bacon, a retired brigadier general.

Paul Vallas says the school can give pupils confidence

The school, run by the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, particularly appeals to families who believe children will benefit from a sense of discipline - with interviews for students and their families before the 150 places are allocated.

Ruby Cruz, aged 14, believes that the school will help her to achieve a place at college. "I was kind of a bad girl. I never did my chores and I hung out on the streets with the wrong crowd. I think this will help me."

The school day begins at 7.20am with a roll call and the raising of the flag, with conventional lessons supplemented with studies in military history and military science. In the summer, pupils have to attend military camps.

The chief executive of the city's state school system, Paul Vallas, offered his support for the army-run school.