The goal of this case study was to identify the cultural norms, practices, and programs of an urban school that narrowed the achievement gap. The reason for identifying these factors in a successful school was to add to the body of literature regarding the achievement gap and what a struggling school was able to do to narrow the gap. This case study identified the cultural norms of high expectations, collaboration, leadership, and a college-bound culture, as well as the practices that the school identified as instrumental to narrowing the achievement gap: collaboration, instructional practices, professional development, data analysis, and standards-based education. The programs that the staff identified as instrumental to the school's academic success were their intervention programs, including Saturday School, after-school tutoring and pull-out programs, and fidelity to the implementation of the school's core instructional programs. A principal's checklist was developed to provide suggestions and guidance to schools that are seeking to narrow the achievement gap. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]