This study used ethnographic methods to examine current explanations of Asian American students' success in school and how a group of high-achieving Chinese American high school freshmen perceive themselves and others as learners and as group members. The study attempts to illustrate (1) how the students view educational achievement and group membership in the school setting, (2) how these sets of beliefs inter-relate, and (3) how these beliefs influence the students' actions in school. First, major areas of research are reviewed that describe Asian American success, followed by a determination of how students' perceptions of educational achievement relate to existing research. It is argued that Chinese Americans' perception of peers is the most immediate factor influencing their attitudes and behaviors within the school setting. It also shows that their attitudes were reinforced by family and cultural factors: the students were aware of their parents' sacrifices for them, and they felt a sense of obligation to do well in school. The paper concludes with thoughts on how these perceptions are influenced by the broader community of students. (Contains 35 references.) (GLR)