The key factors in the success of nine urban high schools that prepare students for specific occupational fields as well as for college entrance were studied in an attempt to show how these high schools deliver services to students and to stimulate discussion and action that will encourage further development of exemplary career-related and college preparatory education. The exemplary schools studied are in New York City, Chicago, and a suburb of Los Angeles (Torrance). Ten success factors were identified: (1) a safe and orderly environment conducive to teaching and learning; (2) a businesslike attitude that creates an atmosphere of constructive energy in the school; (3) a warm and caring school climate; (4) an admissions process that makes students feel special and that is based on student interest in the career specialty or set of subjects and not solely on student test scores; (5) a dual mission--to prepare each student for an occupation and for college; (6) high expectations for all students to succeed, accompanied by attempts to minimize grouping of students by ability; (7) a curriculum organized around an industry or a discrete set of subjects; (8) the integration of theory and practice in instruction; (9) strong links with business and industry and with local institutions of higher education; and (10) leadership in the office of the principal that is at the same time inspiring, sensitive, and firm. (Document includes a chapter analyzing costs of operating career programs, 16 references, the interview guide and case study outline, and delivery system specifications for analyzing vocational-technical and regular high school costs.) (CML)