An independent research firm evaluated the Cleveland Municipal School program, Responsible Sexual Behavior Education Initiative, and their study released on Monday says the effort has been a success.

"If you're old enough to ask, you're old enough to know," Cleveland High School senior Abbey White told ONN's Brian McIntyre.

White said that is her mom's policy when it comes to talking about sex, but not every parent has that kind of outlook on the topic.

Two years ago, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson called for a public school classroom initiative to help students make informed decisions about sex.

"We're able to address a range of issues that over the long term can and will help us address issues such as abuse, disease, and teen pregnancy," said CMSD Chief Academic Officer Eric Gordon.

More than 80 percent of classroom teachers surveyed said it is worth the interruption of class time.

More than 75 percent of students said they learned a lot from the program.

"To have the old-school sexual health movies, it just didn't get through to us at that time," said Cleveland High School senior Earlaina Kemp. "But we have people that can talk to us on our level and we're understanding what they're trying to teach us."

"It was very beneficial to have something that was fact-based" said White.  "I've been able to make a lot of smart decisions because I know the truth, and I'm not questioning what I'm learning."

In a tough economy which sees government cutting programs, Mayor Jackson ensures there is a commitment to keep this program funded.

"You know what someone really cares about based on what they sacrifice, and where they put their money," said Mayor Jackson. "So we want to demonstrate to young people that we care about them."

"Kids are actually through this curriculum protecting themselves from outside forces that may hurt them in the future," said White.  "I think every district should definitely have it."

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