The 14 schools were chosen for study in 1986 on the basis of nominations from a variety of sources. They reflect a broad range of intervention strategies as well as diversity among students. The analysis describes the characteristics of students at risk, presents a historical analysis of the dropout issue, and develops a theory regarding the education of at-risk youth. It details the school programs, the professional culture, and the school structure associated with effectiveness and provides statistics on achievement, attendance, credit accumulation, and dropout rates. Findings indicate that effective schools provide at-risk students with a community of support in which students feel a sense of belonging and bonding to the school and are involved in academic work and school activities. The strength of these factors results mainly from the way in which the schools interact with the students. Effective schools accept a proactive responsibility for educating these youth. Policy recommendations, tables, notes, index, 83 references, and appended school profiles and methodological information.