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Schools must rely on a sound theory to practice relationships in their design. This study documents one school's attempt to design a science school for African American boys. Through a mixed methods study of pre- and post-year interviews and surveys, this study documented how their views changed during year 1. The authors discovered three myths about teaching African American boys that changed: (a) that teachers of the same race as students will improve performance. (b) that curriculum-focused professional development produced higher academic performance, and (c) that parent involvement is critical to school success. These results document how a limited research to practice understanding hindered the school's ability to design a STEM school for African American boys.