Nationally, interest in family life and parenting programs has grown amidst concern for "basic education." Parenting education in today's schools may be justified because of increased family stress and deteriorating family support systems. Most parenting and family life courses are offered within home economics departments, have a narrow focus, and reach a small percentage of the nation's teenagers. Two Oregon programs at Medford Senior High School and Eugene's Churchill High School have evolved within the health education curriculum; both span a wide range of topics and provide a valuable experiential component--on-site nursery schools. This paper focuses first on the Medford program, particularly its family health course. The next chapter describes the early childhood courses at Churchill High School and details differences between the Eugene program and the Medford model. The final chapter offers guidance for other school districts eager to initiate parenting education courses or to refine existing programs. Staff members of both programs agree on four components ensuring success: community involvement, qualified staff, an on-site nursery school, and research into existing programs. Appended are 7 references and a list of 14 persons interviewed. (MLH)