In a mid-size city in upstate New York, a violence prevention program for teenagers was established in an alternative school for weapon policy offenders. This article examined how the school staff conceptualized their work with these youth. The study was based on interviews with 22 staff members at the Garfield alternative school. It examined the intent of school staff, their ideas, perspectives, and language about youth, violence, and schooling. School staff highlighted what was needed for a successful violence prevention program. Staff were found to favor the program and saw daily benefits. They also made it clear that without the resources to educate properly, the best programs would have little effect. Teachers’ discussions raised the importance of linking social learning and academics. It was stressed that violence prevention was not only about preventing poor behavior by youth but an integral part of academics, including social learning. References