The challenge of managing student behavior and fostering a positive school culture has become increasingly important, especially among schools serving diverse and marginalized populations. Restorative Justice Practices (RJP) offer a promising solution by focusing on conflict resolution and relationship-building rather than punitive measures. This program evaluation uses a mixed-methods approach to assess the early stage implementation of RJP at Smoky Mountain High School (SMH), a large high school in Southern California. The evaluation examines the impact of RJP on school culture and the sense of belonging among students. The evaluation gathered input from administrators, other staff through surveys and interviews to understand the perceptions of how RJP is influenced the school climate during the early stage of implementation. Additionally, quantitative data, including extant data from the district, was analyzed to assess changes in sense of belonging. A school-wide approach, clear communication, and regular professional development for staff were identified as essential to increase RJP at SMH. The findings suggest that early implementation of RJP has led to improvements in school culture and a reduction in negative behaviors, as perceived by participants. Likewise, RJP has helped build a stronger sense of belonging among students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. This study adds to the growing body of research on RJP in educational settings and provides valuable insights for school leaders and policymakers seeking to create equitable and supportive learning environments. Future research should explore the long-term impact of RJP on student outcomes and consider objective measures of success, such as academic performance and disciplinary records. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]