Isolating 9th graders: Separate schools ease the academic and social transition for high school-bound students

School Administrator, March, 2002 by Jennifer Newton Reents

Rush-Henrietta's Graham says for a successful program, the district administration must treat the 9th-grade center as equal in importance to the senior high school, not as an extension program. He also recommends orientation programs be run at middle schools by the administrators of the 9th-grade center in early spring to prepare and excite 8th graders about coming to the school.

Aldine's Kujawa says to start a 9th-grade program, school districts must first sell the notion to parents. "It is a different concept and you have to be prepared to address their concerns about splitting up the school into different units. [Some may ask] 'Will my child still be in the symphonic band or on the drill team at the high school?"' she says.

In Downingtown, Pa., many parents and staff have become so enthused about the value of the 9th-grade center that they are disappointed in its imminent closing. Tony Watson, principal of the district's 9th-grade center has heard from plenty of supporters.

"The 9th-grade center has provided students a time to bond with each other. We are fed from two middle schools before going up to the high school," says Watson. "The smaller setting at the NGC compared to the high school--there are 750 students at the NGC and 2,000 students at the high school--allows students to get to know each other better. The students realize that they all are equal and don't have to compete with the upperclassmen for participation in afterschool activities, clubs, the school play, the yearbook club, etc., or for popularity.

"Also, the students have the opportunity to be around other students who share the same basic interests, concerns, issues, problems and joys of life that they are experiencing. Ninth graders are a unique group of individuals who are searching for their own identity. They are stuck somewhere between adolescence and adulthood," Watson says.

While the Downingtown 9th graders will move to the high school in the fall, there may be new plans in the works for the center.

"Given our rapid growth, I believe we will need to use it to house 6th-grade students," says Collins, the Downingtown superintendent. "We have talked about creating a 6th-grade center because both of our new middle schools are beyond capacity already."

Location, Location, Location

Superintendents whose districts operate isolated 9th-grade programs suggest the centers be located as close as possible to the high school site, if not within a self-contained portion of the same building, to cut down on costs.

Hertzog points to the advantages of an overlapping facility. "By having the center in the high school, though, common areas such as the library, cafeteria, co-curriculars, etc., provide times for 9th-grade students to mix with upperclassmen. Those who teach in the center should be aware of the traits of 14-year-old students. They are different from 18-year-olds."

The siting of a 9th-grade center brings challenges.

Alief's Smith says the proximity to the high school allows 9th-graders to participate in marching band, athletics and other extracurriculars.