Positive self-esteem is linked to academic success for K-12 students. However, self-esteem declines during adolescence, especially for African Americans. Positive perceptions of school climate are well-studied predictors of self-esteem. Given the risk for greater declines in self-esteem experienced by African American students, this study sought to examine the moderating role of ethnic identity on the relationship between school climate and self-esteem for a sample of 1,343 African American adolescents in the Midwest. Regression analysis using the PROCESS macro indicated that ethnic identity positively influenced the relationship between perceptions of school climate on self-esteem for African American adolescents at all levels. Implications for school interventions to foster positive adolescent ethnic development are discussed.