Project Accelerated Curriculum Classes Emphasizing Learning (ACCEL) was implemented by the Newark School District (New Jersey) in the 1989-90 school year in response to the ineffective practice of retaining underachieving students. The innovative approach of accelerated learning was made available to retained sixth and seventh grade students. These students were allowed to skip a grade if they met the academic requirements stipulated by the district for promotion. This report is organized into five sections: (1) principles of Accelerated Learning and an overview of Project ACCEL; (2) results from teacher survey; (3) results from student and parent surveys; (4) results of the Achievement Test; and (5) conclusions and recommendations. Responses of the 11 teachers who replied clearly point to beneficial effects of the program on student self-esteem, in spite of some program implementation problems. Responses of 185 ACCEL students and 154 non-ACCEL students support positive effects of the program on student attitudes and educational goals. Survey replies of 131 parents also indicate constructive changes in student attitudes. Achievement test score improvements for reading and language and a non-significant improvement in mathematics indicate that the program is effective in improving academic achievement. Recommendations are made for program improvement. Three figures, 1 chart, and 22 tables present study data. An appendix contains the surveys. (Contains 7 references.) (SLD)