ABSTRACT
This chapter examines survey and interview data collected from African-American students in 15 independent schools in Baltimore to analyze the relative importance of family, peers, and the school in influencing students’ school success, defined as college enrollment The data presented in this chapter show that despite the culture shock experienced by many African-American students when they first enter these institutions, many of them have developed a strong network of support to overcome the unique academic, social, emotional, and psychological challenges they encounter in these environments. A combination of family, peer group, and school factors help these students to be both academically and socially successful This chapter reports data that explain the contribution of each of these factors in the success of African-American students at elite, independent schools.
