Although violent crime in schools has showed a steady decline in recent years, it remains a serious concern, and administrators are continually looking for more effective approaches to school safety. At the same time, the best school environments are not only safe and secure, but also attractive and comfortable. The right school setting can generate enthusiasm, self-esteem and academic achievement. One such setting is an open physical environment. It can enhance a building's aesthetics and encourage learning. Open spaces can increase a sense of awareness, personal control and ownership among students and staff. These factors can promote positive behavior and thus, reduce crime risks. This article discusses three key design goals to achieve an open but safe environment: (1) controlling individual and vehicular movement; (2) maximizing visual access to unsupervised areas; and (3) increasing occupants' sense of ownership.