This article presents the conversation of the principals of Breakthrough High Schools (BTHS) about literacy. When asked about the essentials of a successful high school literacy initiative and the administrator's role in developing a schoolwide literacy initiative, the principals revealed the strategies and practices they use to improve students' literacy. Their conversations exposed common themes. However, the implementation is different at each of the schools because their unique cultures, students, staff members, and data require an intensive, personalized approach to resolving issues. It is evident from this article that the principals of BTHS employ best practices that have been identified by research as important to schoolwide literacy efforts: (1) leadership; (2) assessment; (3) professional development; (4) strategic teaching; and (5) intervention. Success with secondary literacy can only be achieved when committed leaders effectively work with staff members to fully implement best practices into an improvement plan that addresses the learning needs of all students and the professional needs of teachers.