Office John Varden sees potential in a 1920s newsie that is suspected of leading Charleston's paper riots. Unable to step aside, John takes a chance at starting a new kind of school to help kids like Thomas, The Academy.
Hayley Edwards goes to school. Like any other teenager. But what she doesn't know is that there is some sinister activity going on at the school. Mr Jones is on the case. What is so mysterious about the school? He can't find any leads or if he does they are dead ends. As if that isn't enough for him to worry about, he has problems of his own...