The purpose of this study was to identify successful tribally controlled schools and to determine the factors that contributed to their success. It also examined how stakeholders defined success. Two schools were studied. A review of literature on Indian education was conducted to determine the factors that are associated with improving Indian education. These criteria were utilized to select the two tribally controlled schools for this study. An expert panel was convened, and asked to review the criteria and identify two schools they considered to be successful. A case study of two successful tribal schools was conducted to determine how and to what degree these factors were implemented into each school. The study describes how these factors were adapted, operationalized, and/or institutionalized to meet each school's own unique needs and goals as Indian controlled institutions. Qualitative research methods were used to collect data (e.g., interviews, document collection, and observation). The study examined the following questions: (1) What are the factors that make an Indian controlled school successful? (2) How do these schools define "success"? The study included 28 interviews with school board members, administrators, tribal council members, parents, tribal college faculty, and teachers at two tribally controlled schools. The researcher also collected data through school documents, newspapers, meeting minutes, observations and field notes. Findings indicate that the interviewees want their students to be successful on their terms. They want students to be academically prepared but with a foundation in their language and culture. They want students to pursue their goals and to bring back home their knowledge if they chose to. Additionally, the interviewees perceived all the factors found in the review of literature were present to some degree in their schools. This study indicates that tribally controlled schools need to be researched further to determine if the implementation of these success factors is being met to the fullest degree possible. In addition, research needs to be conducted on what it takes to be an effective leader in a successful Indian Controlled School. [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.]