An increase in the number of schools adopting year-round programs prompted this analysis of all year-round education programs in California. Chapter 1, "Introduction to the Study," outlines study organization and calendar scheduling plans. "Design of the Study," chapter 2, describes data obtained from interviews, surveys, databases, site visits, and California Assessment Program files. Chapter 3, "Academic Achievement in Year-round Schools," interprets achievement data. Compared to traditional schools, year-round schools most frequently serve lower socioeconomic communities and have twice as many limited and non-English-speaking students and a larger percentage of minority students. Many schools are not achieving at predicted levels, though single-track schools have the strongest performance. Chapter 4, "Cost Analysis," reveals that increased per-pupil costs compare with those of traditional programs. "Characteristics of the Year-round Education Program," chapter 5, discusses operations and survey results. Teachers experienced better quality instruction and preferred teaching year-round. Students had mixed feelings about school scheduling. Parents' overall satisfaction was positive. The final chapter, "Conclusions and Recommendations," indicates that year-round education is an acceptable alternative. Overcrowding is relieved, new school construction is avoided, and flexible curriculum planning and extended teacher employment are offered. Recommendations are provided to districts and state agencies. Twenty-one tables and 13 figures exhibit data findings; 5 appendices provide survey instruments. (CJH)