Educators know that something needs to change; they analyze data, build a plan, and provide professional development, yet little changes. Often that is because they fail to take into account the culture of their schools. Culture reflects the complex set of values, traditions, assumptions, and patterns of behavior that are present in a school. School culture, unlike school climate, is an indication of the most deeply held beliefs about schooling. The pressure to change schools produces uncertainty and unpredictability in the lives of teachers and other school personnel. The authors discuss the importance of understanding school culture, how it works and how it can be shaped in order to improve a school's program. The authors suggest that asking questions about a school's beliefs and assumptions about rigorous education is a powerful way to begin bringing about change. The authors also suggest to conduct a cultural audit to help principals asses the current culture and develop a shared commitment to a high-quality education experience for every student.