SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Teachers at H.W. Smith School say students are doing well, but the school "needs improvement" based on statewide exams. The principal says that is misleading.

"The questions are very much based on an American way of life and if you haven't lived the American way of life, just getting through the stem of the question itself to figure out the math question is very difficult,” said Sharon Birnkrant, H.W. Smith School Principal.

Of the 700 students at the school about half are international, which does present its challenges especially when it comes to standardized testing.

Because English is a second language for many students, the school has a harder time meeting state standards. The principal says tests should reflect individual growth. When Nurya Sengare arrived three years ago from the Ivory Coast, she scored a one on the state math exam. Last year, she scored a two.

"If I keep on practicing, I'll probably score a three or a four. So I'm pretty confident,” said Nourya Sangare, a seventh grader.

Improvement will be harder to track in students like Alphonse Mugisha, who has only been in the country for a few months. A refugee from Burundi, he appreciates the things most take for granted.

"I like to be here because I have something to eat or something to wear,” said Alphonse Mugisha, also a seventh grader.

The students form close bonds with teachers who transform non-English speakers, to outspoken children excited to learn.

"We're a family, 700 plus, but we're a family,” said Craig Martin, H.W. Smith Vice Principal.

And this family said it is improving everyday.