The Middle Level Demonstration School of the New York City Public Schools, in operation since September 1991, is committed to creating a middle school in which both students and teachers are active participants in a supportive learning community characterized by high standards, mutual respect, and cooperation. Parents are seen as important members of the community and as valuable partners. In 1991-92 the school served 190 students in grades 5 through 7. Evaluation of the program focused on how the organizational structure, assessment practices, and school climate support the goal of an integrated and interactive approach to learning. Teachers agreed that instructional practices such as whole language, hands-on approaches, and the concepts and strategies of the Comprehensive Instructional Management System mathematics program support the interactive approach and have a positive effect on attitudes and skills of students. The use of multicultural themes is being instituted at the school, with six of the nine teachers attempting to incorporate multicultural education. Teachers characterized the overall climate as one of teamwork and mutual support. Recommendations are made for program improvement. (SLD)