The history of the school choice idea is briefly traced, and then some contemporary family choice models are examined in detail. "Tracking" was the major choice mechanism in public schools prior to recent efforts to expand the options. The alternative movement within individual schools began in the late 1960's, with many forms institutionalized in diverse ways, followed by programs of choice for entire school systems. Choices among the educational components of curriculum and content, instructional methods, and teachers are limited by logical, ideological, political, and professional considerations. However, the choice arrangement evidenced in schools or units within schools has flourished. Selected from 36 categories and subcategories of family choice models for detailed examination are the following school types: open enrollment, magnet schools, schools-within-schools, minischools, satellites and separate alternatives, and interdistrict choice plans. Concluding comments point out that neither localized alternatives nor those in an alternative system are without disadvantages. Another concern is that the exit option may make overall improvement within the deserted institution less likely. However, for the benefit of all students, alternatives and options in schools offer the best hopes for educational improvement. A 79-item bibliography is appended. (MLF)