Although there is controversy as to whether middle-level education should be more comparable to high school or to elementary school, this paper argues that the school within a school (SWAS) concept effectively makes large schools seem small so that they have more in common with a typical K-5 school than with a grade-10-through-12 high school. The advantages of such an arrangement permit medium-sized and large middle schools to divide into smaller subunits called "houses." The house plan tends to personalize teaching and learning. Students may leave the house for specialized subjects such as music, foreign language, science, health, and physical education. Evidence suggests that SWAS and minischool programs have been shown to produce significant achievement growth; to improve attendance and behavior; and to generate student, staff, and parent satisfaction. The report concludes by arguing that middle school policymakers should give house plans and small schools within big schools a chance. Appended are five pages of references. (JAM)