The discussion emphasizes that good schools themselves are the most compelling reason for students to resist dropping out and that schools remain the institutions through which young adolescents learn about their place in the world and develop the commitments to themselves and others that shape their future. School policies and practices that are hazardous to young adolescents' social and emotional growth and undermine their ability to learn put all students at risk. When harmful practices are reformed and when features of successful middle schools are introduced into schools enrolling young adolescents, such schools can increase their holding power for students at risk as well as all students. Practices discussed to enhance academic progress relate to curriculum and instruction, school size, teacher organization, scheduling, alternatives to retention, alternatives to tracking, and alternatives to improve school climate. Promising approaches to dropout prevention, the role of alternative education for vulnerable students, and school improvement and reorganization are discussed. Recommendations for change at the school-site level, tables, chapter reference lists, and appended checklist for dropout prevention in the middle grades