The purpose of this multiple case study was to investigate teachers' and school leaders' (principals and psychologists) perceptions of how school climate affects student achievement in math and reading at rural schools in Western New York. The five themes included building strong relationships, social-emotional learning, empowering leadership, differentiation, and positive reinforcement. The results of the study revealed teachers and school leaders perceived school climate domains (engagement, safety, environment) affect student achievement in math and reading at rural schools.