Specialist schools in Western Australia are central schools having a special emphasis in their curriculum (such as music or mathematics) but also offering the regular range of secondary school courses. They provide specialization for selected students of particular talent or skill. This study investigated the background and current nature of specialist schools and community attitudes toward them. Data were collected from interviews and meetings with departmental personnel, telephone surveys of parents, and questionnaires from teachers, parents, and community residents. A large number of diverse findings emerged. Generally, community responses indicated a preference for choice of secondary schools but the criterion for choosing a school was more commonly academic or discipline standards rather than special curriculum offerings. Researchers noted a conflict between community support for specialist schools for students with unusual ability and the demands for high academic standards and a wide range of opportunities for everyone in all schools. The 21-page questionnaire used in the study is reproduced in the appendix. (Author/JM)