This Digest advocates alternative educational programs as ways to reduce dropout rates, increase academic and personal satisfaction and achievement, provide real options for struggling students, and generate improvement in all grade levels. The study discusses five concerns in relation to alternative school programs: (1) issues raised regarding choice options within and outside the public school system; (2) characteristics of public school alternative programs; (3) examples of educational options; (4) the implementation and management of alternative school programs within school districts; and, (5) the potential challenges for schools in the adoption of programs of choice. The Digest concludes by expressing the need for adequate planning in order to make alternative school programs practical, feasible, and mutually beneficial. (JAM)