Year-round education (YRE) is much more than a space utilization program; it is a philosophy that considers the total learning environment. Lifestyles, work patterns, and communities are continuing to change, and YRE is designed to custom fit the individual needs of students and parents. The current opinion on YRE is split among those who support YRE, those who oppose it, and those who have not decided how they feel about YRE. The split of opinions leaves no one side in the majority. Four common organizational patterns are used by districts implementing a YRE system: (1) school-within-a-school, offering both 9-month and year-round options in the same building; (2) pair of geographically near schools, offering a choice within a neighborhood; (3) neighborhood cluster, offering one year-round schools out of three or four traditional schools; and (4) structure that can accommodate 9-month and year-round schooling within the same option. Eight factors summarize the philosophical rationale for YRE: continuous learning; employment realities, lifestyle diversities, curriculum facilities, improvement catalysts, community enhancements, people considerations, and personal choices. (KDP)