In many ways, Roxbury Preparatory Charter School is typical of Boston's Mission Hill area: the student body is composed entirely of students of color, most of whom live in single-parent households. More than 68% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. What is not typical is that for the fourth consecutive year, Roxbury Prep, which selects students by lottery, has been designated as the highest performing urban middle school in Massachusetts. This extraordinary school is tucked away on the third floor of a neighborhood nursing home. It is relatively small--200 students in grades 6-8--and at first glance appears to consist of little more than a series of closed classroom doors off a narrow hallway. Once behind the closed doors, however, it immediately becomes clear that the students and teachers mean business. Each instructional moment is used to its full advantage, from the beginning of the day at 7:45 a.m. until the formal closing at 4:15 p.m. Because of the concentrated focus on core academics, each student is enrolled in one social studies class, one science class, and two language arts and mathematics classes every day. In addition, extended learning opportunities typically occur before and after school, during the summer, and on weekends. This article describes how Roxbury Prep has experienced tremendous success in preparing students to enter and graduate from college because of its rigorous, engaging, and well-planned curriculum; dedicated staff members; emphasis on character and community responsibility; and network of supports for student academic, social, and physical well-being.