This article discusses specific attitudes, behaviors, and skills used by some urban students to greatly enhance their chances of experiencing academic success in school. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses demonstrate that regardless of students’ socio-economic background or ethnicity and race, high achievement can become an expectation. The research found the most commonly shared attribute among academically successful urban students was their willingness to assume greater personal responsibility for their educational outcomes. This research supports the position that urban schools should incorporate the teaching and practice of these attitudes, behaviors, and skills into the daily curriculum as a mechanism for meaningful student achievement and personal growth.