This paper chronicles the collaboration of Boston's English High School with the University of Massachusetts. It begins with a history of the school from its start in 1820 up to the late sixties when the school achieved more of a minority population. After a problematical beginning plagued by lack of coordination and direction, the collaborative program made a change in administrative responsibilities and staffing patterns that heralded a period of great energy and enthusiasm among teachers. At this time the goals of the collaboration were set down as staff development, curriculum development, and improvement in communications. A teacher center was established. However, two years later, at the time of the writing of this paper, the situation was one of worry about declining school enrollments, low morale, and dissatisfaction with administration. It is difficult to analyze effects of the innovation because the school conditions and the people involved have changed. The teacher center, cluster programs, and a college incentive program remain as evidence that collaboration can produce positive programs. Although the collaboration has not achieved all its goals, the university has contributed to the life of the school. (JM)