The 1990 Beating the Odds (BTO) Summer School was an intensive instructional, counseling, and guidance program sponsored by the Houston (Texas) Independent School District for a group of at-risk students in grades 5-9. The program was designed to provide a supportive and nurturing learning environment in which the academic and sociopsychological deficiencies of program students could be addressed, thereby giving them the competence and determination to stay in school. This report evaluates the effectiveness of the program in improving student self-esteem, appreciation of teachers, confidence to improve grades, and the determination to succeed in school. The report describes implementation activities of the program; assesses its strengths, weaknesses, and effectiveness; and synthesizes recommendations of program staff and students for enhancing program effectiveness. The evaluation answers research questions involving the following areas and issues: (1) curriculum content of the program; (2) staff perception of factors limiting academic performance; (3) staff perception of staff training effectiveness; (4) student attendance rates; (5) perceived strengths among program characteristics; (6) perceived weaknesses among program characteristics; (7) program impact on student self-esteem and attitudes toward school; and (8) staff and student recommendations for program improvement. Statistical data are presented in two figures and one table. A list of seven references is appended. (AF)