This report examines the contrasting views of parents and students about what goes on in and around the school building. Two focus groups and eight in-depth interviews were conducted with children in the New York City area in addition to interviews with a nationally representative sample of 1,000 parents of children in public schools and classroom interviews with children in grades 3 through 12. Parents and students are generally satisfied with their schools, and most believe that the school provides a safe and secure environment and a quality education. A majority of students have never been victims of violence. However, there is a sizable proportion of parents who say that their children have at some time been victims of violence, and there is a nearly equal proportion of students who say they have had such experiences. Parents are more likely than students to believe that students receive personal attention from teachers and that they have caring relationships with teachers and peers. Students who have been victims of violence are more reserved with teachers and with other adults and are less likely to talk about their problems. Those who have been victims are more likely to approach personal relationships with assumptions that increase their vulnerability, and they are more likely to distrust and be disrespectful of their peers. Appendix A describes the methodology, and Appendix B contains the survey. Study findings are presented in 165 tables. (SLD)