Alan Sampson was a very strict high school principal, renowned for transforming weak schools into centers of excellence. But the long hours took their toll on his home life. As his marriage ended, he was given charge of a city high school on a downward spiral. In this school was one of the most troublesome students he had ever met--his own son, Greg. As Alan strove to find a way to tame his son's behavioral problems, he and Greg battled each other as well as the ingrained obstacles in the education system. Only when they both found the courage to step outside the rules did they find their way through to each other, and realize that the best education in life can be found outside the school system.