This essay contends that the school as a social institution must be challenged to initiate or strengthen instruction on human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), as school instruction is potentially one of the most effective and efficient means for achieving a reduction in the rate of future HIV infection. The essay provides a brief overview of statistics and other demographic information. Projections of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for HIV prevalence and the number of AIDS cases sets a realistic context for understanding the severity and scope of the problem. Institutional factors in general school health programs and HIV education in particular are presented as influences on the provision of school-based education. The critical need for HIV/AIDS education is presented through an examination of recent data on adolescent sexual activity and risk-taking behavior and a summary of the current status of HIV/AIDS education. Necessary components in effective school-based HIV/AIDS education are discussed. (Contains 21 references.) (JDD)