As public alternative school enrollments are increasing, educators must understand how new students adjust to and make sense of their alternative school experience. This qualitative study, which has also been turned into a video documentary, was designed to provide insight into why the traditional educational paradigm does not work for all, or even most, students. Eight Puget Sound area public alternative high schools in Washington State participated in focus groups using an Appreciative Inquiry approach to investigate students' perceptions about learning, knowing, and their school experiences. Findings suggest that students are capable of providing valuable information and feedback about program and policy effects.