Satellite Academy is an alternative public high school with two sites in Manhattan, one in South Bronx, and one in Queens. Between 185 and 210 students are enrolled at each site; 90 percent of the students were truants and dropouts from the city's traditional high schools. The educational philosophy of Satellite Academy is based on collaboration between students and staff to create a safe, caring, and effective learning environment. Both students and staff participate in making important school decisions. This imparts a sense of ownership and belonging to the school community and also combats the alienation and apathy that both teachers and students sometimes feel in New York City's large educational system. Sensitivity to the needs and differences of others is stressed. Students are encouraged to assert themselves before they feel the need to become aggressive. A family group class is one of the academy's cornerstones. Its goal is to build a bond between each group member and to create a caring community. Components of a program structure to minimize the problems of prejudice and bias are outlined.