The effectiveness of the Nichols Avenue Follow-Through Program, in Washington, D.C., and the extent to which it provides for improving opportunities for children of low-income families to learn and achieve up to and above national norms in the areas of reading and mathematics were evaluated. The program goals were to assure that: (1) by the end of grade 3 or by the third year in the program children who were taught a full lesson on at least 165 school days would exceed national norms on achievement tests in reading, arithmetic, basic language concepts, and logical thinking; (2) the percentage of readers below grade 2 reading level would be negligible; (3) the children in the program would like school and demonstrate a good self-concept and self-motivation; and (4) 20% to 35% of the parents would be involved in the program operation. The program evaluation was effected by interviews with 65 students from the three grades served by the program--kindergarten (4 classes), grade 1 (4 classes) and grade 2 (3 classes)--by interviews with parents, and by questionnaires completed by 21 staff members. The evaluation findings were as follows: (1) the students are achieving near the national norm in reading and mathematics and are achieving above the large-city norms and the D.C. median scores in both areas; (2) the children appeared happy and liked school; and (3) the majority of the parents responded favorably to the program. It is concluded that the major goals of the program are being met. (DJ)