Using a randomized trial, we evaluate the impact of afreeprivately-managed middle schoolin a poor neighborhood. The research comparesovertimeadolescents randomly selectedto enterLiceo-Jubilarand thosethat were notdrawn in the lottery. Besides positive impacts on expectations, we findbettereducational outcomesin the treatment group relative to control subjects.Thefeatures of Liceo-Jubilar-autonomy of management, capacity for innovation, and adaptation to the context-contrast with the Uruguayan highly centralized and inflexible public education system. Our results shed light on new approaches to educationthat may contribute to improve opportunities fordisadvantaged adolescentsin developing countries.Unlike the experiencesof charter schools in developed countries, Liceo-Jubilardoes not have autonomy regarding the formal school curricula nor depends on public fundingby any means.