The impact of three family life education courses for black, inner-city, junior high school students was the topic of this study. A total of 172 students in 7th and 8th grades participated in experimental and control groups. The programs varied in their intensity; students in the experimental group met for 40 minutes once a week for 15 weeks during the school day, while students in control groups met for 40 minutes once a week for 10 weeks. Results revealed that students in the more intensive program gained greater knowledge about reproductive physiology, contraception, and the consequences of teen pregnancy and parenthood, and became more familiar with various birth control methods. Changes in personal acceptance of premarital intercourse and perceived responsibility for contraception were observed only in the most intensive program. The impact of school-based sex education programs is discussed and suggestions for improving such programs are provided. (Author/IS)