As part of the Atlanta Public School System, the Downtown Learning Center (DLC) uses personalized learning contracts to thwart potential dropouts and classroom troublemakers. Voluntary admission, screening by a student/staff committee, and parental approval precede the general agreement which details school attendance and work commitments. In addition to developing non-traditional learning programs, the staff members assume administrative tasks. Although the student is not confined to courses within the DLC, he must negotiate a contract with a teacher for each course. The contracts specify requirements for credit, allow for substitutions and renegotiation, and obligate the instructor to provide the necessary instruction and materials. Since contracts are written with passing letter grades or credit, there are no failing grades, just uncompleted work. The DLC encourages personal growth and acceptance of responsibility in addition to academic progress as exemplified in the sample social studies contracts presented in this profile. Four general conditions prefacing all social studies contracts and other examples of contracts in political behavior, Georgia cultures, and psychology are provided. The DLC places those who are unable to cope with the program in other schools or jobs. Originally short term placements were envisioned, but most students remain at the DLC until graduation or vocational placement. (Author/EC)