This mixed methods research study explored advisory programs in three middle schools located in Southeastern Pennsylvania. An advisory program is a fundamental component of an exemplary middle school yet there are often difficulties in implementing it successfully. Research indicates that a middle school advisory program cannot be successful if its purpose is not clearly understood and agreed upon by the school administration and the staff charged with its implementation (Galassi, Gulledge, & Cox, 1997). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not the staff of a school with an advisory program understands its purpose and successfully implements and sustains it. This investigation confirmed that the successful implementation of a middle school advisory program relies on whether the staff understands its purpose, is supportive, and is engaged with the advisory program. More importantly, however, it seems that as long as the specific purpose of the advisory program addresses a need identified by the school community, the approach to advisory is secondary to the goal of providing an adult advocate for every student. Nurturing positive relationships between middle school students and caring adults is the lynchpin of middle school advisory programs. This study may provide insight for a school staff considering initiating an advisory program. [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.]