Brazil is struggling to curb rising levels of youth violence. In 2016, more than 33-thousand Brazilians under age 30 were killed. Officials in one Brazilian state are turning to military schools to help solve the problem. And as CGTN's Paulo Cabral reports -- president-elect Jair Bolsonaro has promised to expand the program across the country.

This is not technically a military school, but it's run by the Military Police. So students have to conform to a level of discipline and hierarchy usually found in the army. Students have to "salute" officers on arrival and follow strict behavior, haircut and clothing protocols. No piercings or chewing gum are allowed. Most disciplinarians are police officers. Teachers are civilians, but there is no principal. Here, the school is led by a "commander".

LUCIANO MAGALHAES, COMMANDER DR. CESAR TOLEDO SCHOOL "The main task of the Military Police is to maintain public order. We have to stop crime and stop the actions of criminals. If we have police officers in the school showing how important it is to be a good citizen, we are avoiding crime in the future."

This veteran chemistry teacher who was here before the school was transferred to the military in 2005 says the change made her job easier.

MARIA HELENA CHEMISTRY TEACHER "After the arrival of the Military Police, we had support to maintain discipline. And also the infrastructure of the school improved a lot."

PAULO CABRAL ANNAPOLIS, BRAZIL "The plan to transfer the management of state schools here in the state of Goias to the Military Police began about 20 years ago to foster disciple and prevent violence in and around these institutions. But government data shows that the academic performance of these schools also improved."

Parents here line up for a chance to enroll their children for next year.

MARIA APARECIDA MARQUES PARENT "I think it's very helpful for today's youth to have this kind of responsibility. They have to be always on time, to keep their uniform in perfect order."

But President-elect Jair Bolsonaro wants to expand these military schools. He attended a graduation here in Goias last year and applauded its success.

JAIR BOLSONARO PRESIDENT-ELECT OF BRAZIL "These military schools are an exception in Brazil when it comes to quality of education. It shows what can be achieved with disciple and hierarchy, and if someday we have the power, we will extend this experience to much of Brazil."

But the militarization of schools faces some strong resistance - for example from most teachers trade unions.

BIA DE LIMA, PRESIDENT GOIAS TEACHER'S TRADE UNION "We have to discuss to what extent we need little soldiers or if actually we need students with the capacity to have critical minds and to help decide what the future of society will be."

Militarizing schools has proven to be a popular solution among families in the state of Goias. It remains to be seen if the project will have the same reception if it goes nationwide.

Paulo Cabral, CGTN, Annapolis, in Brazil.