There is a low enrollment of African American high school students in advanced mathematics. High school advanced mathematics are prerequisites to college calculus, one of the basic courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. African Americans earned only 7.6% of all bachelor's degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. African Americans only represent 6% of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics workforce. It was predicted that by 2020, 65% of all jobs will require degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and the United States will be a majority-minority country by 2043. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the factors that influenced African American high school students' decisions to take advanced mathematics. The theoretical framework of this study was critical race theory. Three African American 12th graders, a precalculus teacher, and a principal participated in the study by taking part in interviews. The data were transcribed, organized, openly coded, axially coded, and condensed into three themes. The findings revealed that the students did not experience any racism or have any sense of exclusion. The students were unaware they were telling counter stories. Schools and school districts need to implement culturally relevant pedagogy and teacher preparation programs, school academic coaches, and instructional coaches need to adopt the framework of building community, building knowledge, and building change when training teachers. Parents should be involved in their children's education at home and school by participating in school activities, communicating with teachers, and voicing their concerns about how schools operate. Schools and school districts should welcome opportunities for parents to be involved in schools. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]