Estimates suggest that there are more than 20,000 alternative schools in operation in the United States. The number of alternative schools as well as the number of students educated in these schools has increased significantly over recent years. Oftentimes these schools serve students who are not successful in the traditional school setting, and those who are considered at risk of school failure including students with and without disabilities. Alternative schools have been successful in: (1) reducing truancy; (2) improving attitudes toward school; (3) accumulating high school credits; and (4) reducing behavior problems. Numerous models of alternative schools have been developed to serve local needs and are operating with varied degrees of success. This paper presents five models of alternative schools and lists several characteristics of successful alternative high schools. (Contains 12 online resources.)