The purpose of this report is to evaluate the seven alternative schools in the Houston (Texas) Independent School District by describing the students who were served by the programs, and by assessing the effectiveness of the programs in improving student academic performance and attendance. The following schools provide education to at-risk students in an effort to reduce their dropout rate: H. P. Carter Career Center, Contemporary Learning Center (CLC), Foley's Academy, Harper Alternative School, Harris County Youth Village, Houston Night High School, and Kay On-Going Education Center. All of these schools serve high school students, with Harper, Youth Village, and Kay having limited middle school components. CLC has the only alternative middle school. Ten research questions are proposed and answers are supplied in 10 sections, each of which discusses methodology and findings for one question. In summary, answers to the research show the following: (1) the schools offer a wide range of programs; (2) the referral and selection criteria are unique to each school; (3) enrollment is near capacity; (4) there is a high level of mobility among students; (5) demographic and academic characteristics vary from school to school; (6) the dropout rate is 23%, and 100 students graduated; (7) faculty and staff showed various levels of tenure and training; (8) the schools offer various benefits to students; and (9) faculty and staff have suggestions for better serving students. Eleven tables and one bar graph are provided. Appended are a copy of the teacher questionnaire and complete answers to two survey questions. This document contains six references. (JB)