When a city high school graduates fewer than half of its students in four years, one could argue major changes are needed. That’s exactly what’s happening at Jamaica High. It’s one of 20 schools the city wants to phase out for low performance while opening smaller new schools in the same buildings. But many teachers and students at Jamaica High believe their big school is an institution worth saving.

A public hearing will be held tonight on the city’s plan to close Jamaica High, before the Panel for Educational Policy votes on January 26.

Read Beth Fertig's story then post your thoughts below. Let us know if you think large neighborhood high schools should remain open -- even if less than half their students are graduating. Did you go to a neighborhood school like Jamaica High? Are there benefits to neighborhood schools?