The effectiveness and utility of alternative education programs has been clearly documented in research literature. They have shown to offer youth, who are at a greater risk of academic failure or an increased risk of engaging in delinquency and other antisocial behaviors a second chance. This chapter outlines the characteristics of alternative schools within the areas of school location and environment, administration and organizational structure, educational curricula and instructional methods, teacher attributes, and student attributes and programming. In addition, the benefits of alternative schools are discussed in the areas of academic improvements, such as increases in attendance, decreases in suspensions and expulsions, increases in graduation rates, improvement in grades, and rates of further education, training, and employment, behavioral improvements, cognitive/affective improvements (attitude and self-esteem), and evidence of cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness and citizenship and character development. The chapter presents responses to criticisms of alternative schools suggesting that alternative schools are a dumping ground for at-risk youth, as well as “labeling” students. Regardless, alternative schools offer promise, enabling and empowering youngsters to become productive adults. References