The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how early college high school (ECHS) principals promote the success of the first generation, students of color and low-income students they serve. Three ECHS principals were examined through two lenses: the traditional role of principals and a conceptual framework of democratic, socially just, culturally responsive leaders. The following six themes and 13 subthemes emerged from the study: Principal Identity; Access and Equity (target student population, application process and special education and ESL students); Academics (retention rate, standardized Tests, "The 5th year" or 13th grade, and graduation rates/degrees earned); Culture and Climate (safety/student discipline and school culture and climate; Managing the Organization (finances, staffing, instruction, and vision and mission); and Relationships.