The Freshman Year

The ninth grade is a time of adjustment to high school academics and life. Every course, including all required and elective classes, is college preparatory and will enter the college admission equation. Students should consider whether taking honors-level classes in literature, foreign language and mathematics supports their college goals. Advisors see students on a regular basis and can be helpful to students and parents in making these and other decisions.

Beyond academics, ninth grade is a time of exploration and personal discovery. Students should identify extracurricular activities both on and off-campus that will sustain them throughout high school and in which they might take on leadership roles by the senior year. In the spring semester of the freshman year, the college counselor guides the entire class through a day-long college tour. The class visits two colleges that differ on several criteria, such as size and environment.