School within a School (SWS) is a locally funded program in the Des Moines (Iowa) Public Schools of instruction in basic skills, career guidance, and counseling support for at-risk 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th graders in comprehensive middle schools and high schools. In 1991-92, 323 high school students and 67 middle school students participated. As part of the program role of support to students who are not being successful in school, teachers work with reduced class sizes to make personal connections with students. Counselors intensify human connections with these students. Referrals to program and community agencies and small group counseling help students cope with forces interfering with their success in school. Students perceive the SWS program positively, with an average of 88 percent responding favorably in attitude surveys since 1989. Student performance objectives between 1989 and 1992 demonstrate positive growth for SWS students in progress toward graduation and attendance and lower dropout rates. To determine long-term effects, evaluation must be planned to continue beyond grade 10. Cost estimates are provided for expanding program services, including teacher training, and increasing the numbers of students served. Six tables present evaluation findings. (SLD)