Abstract:
This qualitative case study is focused on the success of a charter single-gender middle school for
African American males in the Midwest from the years 2012-2016. Indiana Department of
Education data showed this small middle school with 100% African American Male was ranked
55 out of 2000 middle schools across the state. During the 2013-2014 school year, its second
year of operation, Male Prep Academy received an A rating from the state based on academic
growth. The school would win four A ratings in a row. The school consistently exceeded
statewide data and neighboring Indianapolis Public school data. With 75.6 percent passing both
sections of the ISTEP 80.7 percent ELA and 87 percent Math. This dissertation identified seven
emergent themes: scholar identity, celebrating academic achievement, otherfathering, rigorous
curriculum, participation in school sponsored activities, strong leadership, and relationships. The
key themes and factor for success yielded from the perspectives of past school administrators,
teachers, parents, and students. I conducted 15 semi-structured interviews to compare themes and
determine the factors that lead to these students being prepared for a rigorous high school and
early college experience. As stakeholders seek options to support the academic success for Black
male student, the Prep offers a template for success. This schooling model prepared many of its
students for selective college admission. In this case study, Prep is reviewed for the elements that
could lead to a successful high school and college experience.
