The charter school movement in America is a radical departure from traditional ways of facing the dilemma of matching student to school. With the advent of the charter concept- schools where individualized attention becomes possible, where lower teacher-to-student ratios are the norm, and where public moneys provide the same backing as for "regular" schools- enormous possibilities opened up for addressing the unsuccessful high school careers of many in America's cities. Indispensable Tools follows a year in the life of a new charter high school and its principal. From birth pangs to the Education Board's award of a five-year opportunity, Gateway High School in San Francisco has proven that modern pedagogy and inspired leadership can offer real betterment to those facing secondary education's disheartening pitfalls.