This booklet challenges assumptions about the hopelessness of educational reform in urban high schools by presenting the stories of: (1) Theodore Sizer's Coalition of Essential Schools; and (2) Metro High School in Cedar Rapids (Iowa), a school that participates in the Coalition. Following an introduction, the Coalition of Essential Schools program is described, including a listing of nine common principles for the Coalition of Essential Schools and data on attendance, academic performance, discipline, and the pursuit of higher education; the success of Coalition schools is indicated. Another section describes the experiences, the students, the school climate, and the faculty of Metro High School, which joined the Coalition in 1985. A section on the school administrators describes what was originally supervision by three lead teachers and the current on-site principal who functions much as a lead teacher. A section on academics describes a curriculum that has focused on basic skills and practical electives with an increasing emphasis on accelerated academic coursework in recent years. Also described are Metro High School's "vocademics" program, which helps students explore career choices, and a report of data indicating positive outcomes at this school. A concluding section offers reflections on the Metro High School experience and final thoughts. Fourteen references are included. (JB)