Series explores the relationship between two very different teenage boys -- Jamal, a street-smart African-American from Harlem, and Chris, a fast-talking, preppy Caucasian from Park Avenue -- both of whom are new transfer students at an inner-city New York public school, Manhattan High School. When principal Karen Noble forces them to work together on a project, they discover that they have much in common despite their obvious differences. Chris and Jamal are joined by their friends, Alberto, a daredevil on a messenger bike, who is always getting involved in crazy schemes; environmentally conscious Dawn; and Tina, the beautiful and intelligent teen model who has aspirations of becoming a high-powered professional businesswoman.