This book documents the Haaren Project, believed to be the only one involving the conversion of an entire existing high school to a mini-school format. It outlines the shortcomings of the existing system that gave rise to the alternative-school movement, traces the history of the early alternative schools citing their successes, shortcomings and failures, and discusses the reasoning behind the project. The future of this mini-school project, along with the future of alternative education and school renewal in general and the potential impact of the alternative-school movement on established school systems particularly in the inner city is addressed last. The concluding chapter is presented as a guide for educators and community groups interested in launching their own alternative-school programs based on the mini-school approach and the processes involved. It offers a step-by-step "road map" covering such areas as planning organization, management, financing, administration, staffing, day-to-day operation, involvement of the business community, and facilities planning and acquisition. (Author/AM)