They’re lost in the classroom and repeatedly act out — leading to repeated suspensions, expulsion and, sometimes, criminal charges.

They’re the students no high school teacher wants, often overage after being held back for repeatedly failing courses and with few, if any, credits toward graduation.

Rather than just letting them drop out, Richmond is now seeking to offer students with serious behavior problems and miserable academic records a new opportunity to succeed in school and gain their high school diplomas.

With Richmond School Board support, Superintendent Dana T. Bedden has quietly launched an unconventional school called Aspire Academy aimed at doing just that.

The new academy that opened this week is to serve up to 80 students at the Richmond Technical Center, according to information provided to the School Board. The board has earmarked $1 million for the academy, or about $12,500 per student.

At this point, 65 students are enrolled with support from parents, Dr. Bedden said Tuesday. “I’ve seen tears in the eyes of some parents who want to get their kids enrolled,” he told board members.

Among other innovations, the students are to receive one-on-one instruction in English, math, history and science through online computer-based courses, with assistance and instruction from an on-site teacher.

The students also are to be surrounded with professionals, including a social worker, mentors and counselors to help them learn to control their tempers and handle other issues in their lives, ranging from trauma and pregnancy to substance abuse.

They’ll attend classes four hours a day, or 90 minutes less than students at the city’s regular high schools. Up to 40 students will attend morning classes, with another 40 attending afternoon sessions.

Dr. Michelle Boyd, executive director for exceptional education and student services, has led the design of the program that builds on an already successful model, the Performance Learning Center, which the nonprofit Communities in Schools operates at three sites in partnership with the city’s school system.

Every year, more than 190 students who were on their way to dropping out receive diplomas after passing required courses at the PLC operations at the Technical Center and at Armstrong High and the Richmond Alternative schools.

Begun in 2008, the PLCs cater to students who are chronically absent and failing in one or more subjects, primarily using self-guided, online learning coupled with intensive instruction.

Still, Dr. Bedden and the board believe more has been needed in a school system where 1,600 students a year miss 30 or more days of school, with a majority being high school students.

As described to the School Board, Aspire adds to the school system’s options “for students who have life experiences that impact their ability to attend school for the standard instructional day.”