**Academic Optimism: The Key to Student Success** is a transformative course designed for teacher and school leaders who are committed to closing the achievement gap and fostering a positive learning environment. This course focuses on academic optimism and its impact on students. In schools with high levels of optimism, teachers believe they can teach all children regardless of their socioeconomic status, and they build trusting relationships with parents. These schools also focus on maintaining high standards regarding academic achievement. Combined, these three dimensions create positive learning environments for students despite students' socioeconomic levels and prior learning experiences.