This report advocates the implementation of accelerated schools as a new strategy for at-risk students by focusing on the success of the model Accelerated Schools Program (ASP) at Stanford University. Under this program, conventional schools with large at-risk populations can be transformed into accelerated schools. Designed to accelerate at-risk students' progress, the goals of ASP include closing the achievement gap so that students perform at grade level by the time they leave the sixth grade. Founded on the principles that parents, teachers, and students should have common goals (unity of purpose); that each accelerated school constituency should participate in the decision-making process (empowerment); and that each school constituency (especially parents) can and should contribute as a learning resource to the total educational endeavor (building on strengths), the successes of the ASP have been substantial. (JAM)