After providing technical assistance to the federal Smaller Learning Community Program grantees, the authors developed five lessons for successful programs: 1) A strong vision of improved instruction needs to drive high school reorganization; 2) A strong vision of improved instruction focuses on strengthening the instructional core; 3) Strengthening the instructional core requires substantial shifts in resources; 4) Swift implementation of SLC/small-school structures allows staff to take up the work of strengthening the instructional core more quickly and effectively; and 5) Full and sustained implementation of reforms requires district stewardship.