The evidence challenges two assumptions which have served to guide much of the research and intervention in the area of crime and fear of crime in schools. The first is that offenders, victims, and fearful youths in schools can be viewed, for analytic or intervention purposes, as three separate and distinct groups. The second assumption is that crime and fear of crime in schools are somehow separate from or different than crime and fear of crime in the community. After examining evidence which challenges these assumptions, some implications for research and prevention are suggested. (Author abstract)