A high functioning school and district culture is an essential underpinning to all improvement efforts. Yet school and district culture can be difficult to assess. Culture is the cornerstone of all good districts and schools. It is the foundation for all school improvement efforts. As one looks deeper into the culture of a school or district, one finds there are certain elements found in high-functioning organizations, both in business and education, that do contribute to continued improvement in student learning. The authors have gathered research and analyses from business and educational and have identified eight dimensions of a high performing educational culture. These are the cultural components and norms of the school or district that have a positive and lasting impact on student learning and student lives.