This exploratory study examines the learning beliefs of high and low achieving, low-income Mexican-American students. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 ninth grade students. The qualitative analysis shows that students' perceptions of their teachers' expectations of a "good" student or a "not so good" student did not differ along achievement lines. However, the students' perceptions about what it means to be a good student differentiated the low-achievers from the high-achievers. This study's findings may be used to inform educators about Mexican-American students' orientation towards school and learning, in hopes for creating more equitable educational settings where all students achieve to their fullest potential.