Local journalist Joanne Jacobs, formerly a copy editor for the Town Crier, then an op-ed columnist for the San Jose Mercury News, has published a book about a San Jose charter school that recruits students who are failing and promises them a chance to go to college. A long-time resident of Palo Alto, Jacobs moved to Los Altos in October.

“Our School: The Inspiring Story of Two Teachers, One Big Idea and the School That Beat the Odds” (Palgrave Macmillan, 2005) tells the story of Downtown College Prep, a “Stand and Deliver” charter school created by two young teachers, self-proclaimed “grumpy optimists” Greg Lippman and Jennifer Andaluz.

The book launches today at 7 p.m. at Downtown College Prep, 1460 The Alameda, San Jose. Those interested in attending the launch should contact Irma Trejo at itrejo@downtowncollegeprep.org or (408) 271-1730, ext. 240.

In addition to reading from “Our School” and signing copies, Jacobs is collecting donations of books for the school’s new library. Students and teachers have asked for books ranging from the “Harry Potter” series to “How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents.” Guests at tonight’s book party are requested to donate new books to the library. The school also welcomes used books suitable for teens.

The average Downtown College Prep student comes from a Mexican immigrant family and starts ninth grade with fifth-grade reading and math skills. All graduates in 2004 and 2005 went on to four-year colleges; 97 percent remain on track to earn a degree. DCP has hit a 731 on the Academic Performance Index, well above the statewide average.

After 19 years as a Mercury News editorial writer and Knight Ridder columnist, Jacobs quit in 2001 to freelance, start an education blog at joannejacobs.com, and report and write “Our School.” She observed classes, faculty meetings, board meetings, disciplinary hearings, parent sessions and school assemblies. She shadowed the principal, sat in on a teacher evaluation, helped the Mock Trial club and tutored ninth-graders at the school.

Jacobs shows how a do-it-yourself school with a “work-your-butt-off” philosophy can move students from the dropout chute to the college ladder. The book also shows the frustrations teachers and their students face. The book features writing by students, teachers and the principal, a teachers’ list of school jargon and a copy of the school’s budget.

For more information, visit ourschoolbook.com.