That's why it is successful. Public schools are not allowed to pick-and-choose their students... and they are rarely allowed to get rid of those whose only interest within the building is disruption and indulging their appetites. If school attendance were not compulsory (as is espoused by the Communist Manifesto), schools would then have the power and responsibility to eject those who intentionally destroy the system for everyone.
Keep in mind that those disruptors behave that way primarily because they are rebelling against being forced to do something they have absolutely no interest in doing. That's the typical American attitude, and I don't hold it against them... but I do expect the schools to enforce proper behavior.
From the article:
And he said that while black students talked in detail about what efforts were needed to get an A and about their desire to achieve, too many nonetheless failed to put forth that effort.
It is applicable to everyone not just black students as is evident by your description on the entrance requirement for this high achievement black school in Jersey City. They want to succeed and put forth effort to ensure they do just that.
Maybe it's just me, but in almost every article I read about failing schools and students who fail to learn I fail to see anyone pointing at the students and asking the questions "do you really care, are you REALLY putting forth enough effort?". While parents, teachers and curriculum all contribute to the learning environment, it is ultimately up to the student to pay attention and retain.
Just my $0.02