A class lesson on the stock market inspires Miss Johnson and some students to invest so they can buy extra school equipment. But the fluctuations preoccupy them and Mr. Kaufman tells them to sell.
A series of thefts at school concerns the staff and Pete thinks he knows the culprit. Then they catch Jimmie red handed and find his home life is the cause. Mr. Kaufman hopes to have a day that nothing occurs like one January 15th.
Tommy Burns and Jason are working on a school project but at Tommy's home Jason is racially insulted by the father. Mr. Burns insists the boys not work together and Tommy learns it's time to stand up against his prejudiced dad.
Jason comes up with a fund raising idea but the arrival of Marshall, a polished student from England gets his classmates's attention. Marshall takes over the carnival project which Jason resents and he lashes out.
Mr. Kaufman puts popular science teacher Mr. Galvez up for a different position and a background check reveals he has no degree. After resigning the Whitman students, led by Joe, try to get their favorite instructor his job back.
Pete Dixon teams with pilot Fred to help at risk students but Principal Kaufman has his doubts. It particularly works for almost drop out Eddie who is angered when administrator Cramer has no funds available for it's continuance.
Student Carey Whittaker begins skipping class and behaving uncharacteristically irresponsibly. Mr. Dixon ultimately finds out why - Carey has leukemia.
Herbie has come up with another scheme, this one involving jobs that is tied to eating a record number of bananas. Kaufman has his doubts but Miss McIntyre is encouraging. The media shows up turning it into an event.
Otis is a new student at Whitman who has spent years in foster care and now lives with Mrs. Fowler. Miss Johnson learns he has a brilliant mind but reads at a 4th grade level. She tries to get him help to improve but he resists.
Beloved teacher Miss Brown is starting to decline mentally because of her age with faculty and students starting to notice. Mr Kaufman faces one of his toughest dilemmas in deciding what to do.
Frank is a new teacher at Whitman and takes an interest in Alice. She keeps accepting dates with him but finds him dull and doesn't know how to turn him down. Pete, thinking of a principal's job, learns about the paperwork involved.
Stretch is hit by a basketball, breaking his braces, while looking at Phyllis Nichols who is cheerleading braless. The incident leads to an uproar over the school's lack of a dress code and student freedom.
Nick is a committed leftist and convinces Mr. Dixon to sponsor a Marx/Lenin club. Nick invites a confrontational speaker without authorization, upsetting board member Mr. Franklin and sparking a campus controversy
Students Gary and Joyce learn they are expecting a baby, upsetting Mr. Webster who planned a West Point career for his son. Joyce is 18, a legal adult, so she can make her choice without the father's input which upsets Gary.
Henry arrives at Whitman from juvenile detention system. Told he has a fresh start he decides to act out, bragging about his incarceration and challenging teachers. Then Miss Johnson sees him with a gun and things turn dangerous.
Arthur is a smart young man but doesn't believe in competition so does just enough to get by. This frustrates Mr. Dixon so he's surprised when Arthur tries for a scholarship, wins, then turns it down to prove a point.
Alice and the rest of faculty plan a special party to celebrate Mr. Kaufman's fifteen years as principal at Whitman High. Wayne with a grudge against the administrator decides to ruin the surprise for him.
Tim Clemens is a child genius and is promoted to high school at twelve. Although he can compete academically, social situations are awkward especially after Tim asks the older Helen out on a date.
Jackie O'Farrell was a child star on TV which made him rich but it doesn't help him fit in at Whitman High. Jason and Bernie scheme to get Jackie to promote a concert but Jackie agrees only if they cut their hair.
Criminal behavior is happening on school grounds so the students come up with their own policing plan. Headed by Richard the pass system soon falls apart due to rules enforcement and Miss Johnson's new car is vandalized.
Attractive Donna seems to find success easy with a screen test and fame before she graduates. Mr. Dragen finds himself envious as he has worked on a book for years and only gets rejection letters. Both learn from the other's experience.