While most school districts in Metro Detroit are reeling from enrollment losses, Westwood Community School District posted a 32 percent spike over last year. The tiny district that touches part of Inkster and Dearborn Heights credits its phenomenal gain to an unlikely population: teens who dropped out or were kicked out of traditional high schools, as well as an innovative program.

Called the Cyber School, it's one of the few programs in the state from which students can graduate without ever setting foot in a classroom.

State leaders are embracing this unconventional method as a way to stem the dropout crisis by luring back the students the traditional system failed. Meanwhile, Westwood is betting the additional state aid that accompanies an influx of students will mend its deficit.

Kyle Grigg, who was forced out of Melvindale High school for falling behind, is now heading toward gradation because he's no longer confined to a seven-hour school day.