We surveyed 374 parents and 82 teachers in the Juarez, Mexico schools regarding their views of what makes an effective elementary school. The survey was a Spanish translation of an instrument used by Johnson (1998). Although both parents and teachers supported most of the factors associated with effective schools, they emphasized different aspects of a quality education. Parents stressed involvement in the schools and students engagement in learning basic skills. Parents also rejected socioeconomic status as a causal factor in school success. Teachers stressed the personal development of students as well as involvement in learning basic skills, and placed much greater emphasis on teacher salaries. (Contains 2 tables.)