An ethnographic study was conducted at an alternative school for middle school and high school students who had been caught with a weapon in school. At the start of the study, the school's enrollment was 60 students. Data comes from participant observations, action research conducted in a service project, and interviews with staff and students. The school had a well-defined population but did not have a comprehensive approach to anger management, prosocial behavior, and violence prevention strategies. Life at this school was challenging for students and staff. Staff tried to do the best they could with the limited resources they had. They were frustrated by lack of time, supplies, and support. Teachers struggled to teach in a culture in which violence was part of daily survival. Students tried to stay safe and to have romantic relationships and friendships. The study demonstrates the need for and importance of ethnographic research in understanding violence in the schools. (SLD)