The effects of returning to the classroom on the self-perception of women who had been away for some time and on the perceptions of their families were studied. A self-report survey was completed by three groups of women in different educational settings: 9 graduates of a general educational development high school diploma program; 11 graduates of an applied science degree at a community college; and 11 students in a master of education program at a university. Self-esteem, spousal perception, childrens' perception, and estimation of marketable skills were assessed on a pre-return, post-return attitudinal scale. It was found that returning to school precipitated changes in the woman's self-perception and in her family member's perceptions of her. Gain in self-esteem was the highest overall change. Each of the three groups rated an increase in estimation of marketable skills following return to school. The majority of respondents also felt that their return to the classroom had a significant impact on their lives. A literature review, a bibliography, and a questionnaire are included. (Author/SW)