The underground school offers several advantages. Preliminary studies in Oklahoma have shown that these schools perform exceptionally well as learning environments. The lack of noise and distractions helps teachers keep the attention of their students. Underground structures can protect people against a broad range of natural and man-made disasters, and schools offer the additional advantage that they are generally located central to the highly populated regions where emergency shelters may be most needed. In many cases, these shools were built with the understanding that the schools would provide sanctuary for the community in the event of tornadoes. There are indications that revenue requirements for energy and maintenance of underground schools are likely to be significantly less than requirements for comparable above ground schools. There are possibilities of making dual use of available land by building underground. Case studies of 12 schools show capacity, construction costs, floor plans, and photographs. (Author/MLF)