The achievement gap is clearly visible throughout the school years, from grade-school test scores through high school graduation and higher education. It divides American Indian, Asian, Black, Latino, and White students, and it divides the economically advantaged from the disadvantaged regardless of their race/ethnicity. Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the Saint Paul Public Schools (like other districts across the country) face the very daunting challenge of bringing all children up to proficiency in core subjects (reading, math, science, social studies) regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. Closing the achievement gap is important to the future quality of life of people from the various races, cultures and socio-economic levels in the community. It is also critical to the economic health of the region, as an educated workforce will be a key to future prosperity. The public schools cannot close the achievement gap on their own. There is much they can do, but they will almost certainly fall short of this goal without strong community support. The factors perpetuating the achievement gap go well beyond the school setting. By the same token, working outside the schools to close the achievement gap will not succeed without strong efforts within the schools.