The purpose of this study was to explore cooperative learning and the impact on middle school students overall academic achievement. The study included 47 students from a small private school, ranging from grades sixth through eighth. The researcher examined student perception of cooperative learning, implementation process and the overall impact of cooperative learning groups. The researcher used results from MAP tests, overall grades, observations and students pre- and post- questionnaires. The study found that in the classrooms where cooperative learning was implemented, students had academic growth in math that exceeded the national average, they built strong relationships with their classmates, and they enjoyed working in the cooperative groups. Students in these classrooms expressed a positive impression about math. The following are appended: (1) Student Questionnaire-Pre; (2) Table 1; (3) Table 2; and (4) Student Questionnaire-Post.