Schools in America are required to provide all students with a quality education regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background, demonstrated through test scores mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act. Knowledge about factors that influence students' academic performance and serve to reduce the achievement gap between Hispanic students and White students is critical. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the internal and external factors that influenced 6 consecutive years of student achievement at a highly successful elementary school in a large, urban, Title I district. The conceptual framework is based on the work of Roland Barth that asserts schools are capable of self-improving and creating environments that foster success. In order to investigate both the internal and external factors that influenced academic achievement, an in-depth single case study was conducted. Data were collected from 5 sources: documents, field notes, interviews, observations, and historical student performance data. Qualitative data analysis consisted of coding and category construction as well as examination for patterns, themes, and relationships. Key findings suggested internal factors (stable leadership, experienced teachers, and collaborative practices) favorably influenced student achievement. External factors (social, cultural, and economic) impacted children's lives, but the strength of the relationships established between school, family, and community members enabled at-risk students to succeed, despite their low-socioeconomic status. Maintenance of team efforts is recommended. Implications for positive social change emerge through an enhanced understanding of the factors that educators consider in their efforts to improve education for all children. [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/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]