This review of attempts at educational reform, both overseas and in Australian schools, addresses itself to two fundamental questions regarding alternative schools: Is there a real choice and who enjoys it? And in what ways are the new approaches different from the old? The trends discussed and evaluated include the use of open space teaching units, the expansion of schools into community centers, the "Community" school where learning takes place outside the school, work experience programs, outward bound approaches, and learning exchanges. (EH)