A collaborative partnership provides school administrators and university researchers an opportunity to evaluate a school-based initiative. Richards Middle School (RMS) in Columbus, Georgia identified school improvement goals and involved university researchers in a collaborative evaluation with implications for strengthening leadership, training, and instructional practices in schools. This article reports initial baseline data for International Baccalaureate and Non-International Baccalaureate 6th grade students and their academic performance and achievement results. An overview of the project and recommendations for further research for students and professional development are also provided in this article. (Contains 2 tables.)