The Safe School Study was mandated by Congress to determine the frequency, seriousness, and incidence of crime in elementary and secondary schools in all regions of the United States; the cost of material replacement and repair; the means used in attempting to prevent crimes in schools; and means by which more effective crime prevention may be achieved. The study is based on a mail survey of over 4,000 schools and an onsite survey of 642 schools, and case studies of 10 schools. Among the findings are that about eight percent of the nation's schools have a serious problem with crime; over 25 percent of all schools are subject to vandalism in a given month; and the annual cost of school crime is estimated to be around $200 million. Security devices and security personnel are considered effective in reducing crime, although more emphasis on personnel training is needed. In the case studies, the single most important difference betweeen safe schools and violent schools was found to be a strong, dedicated principal who served as a role model for both students and teachers, and who instituted a firm, fair, and consistent system of discipline. (Author/MLF)