Alternative high schools have an important place in our educational system, since exellence in education must mean more than improving the abilities of those who are succeeding in our present school environment. A list of suggestions (nine "dos" and four "don'ts") are offered for consideration before establishing such a school. (MCG)

A principal of an alternative school lists and elaborates on imperatives for developing an alternative school program. (Editor)

Author discusses the four components of planning: need, interest, organization, and accountability as they relate to an alternative school. (Editor)

Risks are taken in establishing alternative school programs but they can be minimized by giving the proper attention to several critical factors. (Author)

Takes the reader step-by-step through the sequence of events required to develop an alternative educational program. (Author/JM)

Peak II is a successful school-within-a-school alternative learning experience for underachieving ninth-graders attending Longs Peak Junior High School in Longmont, Colorado. The voluntary program involves team teaching, an academic focus, group and individual counseling, guest speakers, field trips, group social activities, and afterschool…