Northfield High School freshmen roared their approval during a Ninth Grade Academy pep rally. The week-long orientation helped students build a sense of belonging while equipping them for academic success.

The summer before she started high school, DSST: Conservatory Green student Alexandria Manzanares was understandably nervous. “I was coming from a different school, and I knew hardly anyone,” she recalled.

Then she attended New Student Academy, which not only helped her learn her way around school but also connected her with classmates before the school year officially began.

“Coming to the first day, I felt better,” Manzanares said.

The experience stayed with her. The following year, Manzanares applied to become a student culture leader, one of 15 students selected to welcome freshmen. She said she “wanted to give new students the same support” she received.

Several local high schools—including DSST: Conservatory Green, Denver School of the Arts, and Northfield High School—offer ninth-grade prep. Orientations this year shared two goals: help students feel a sense of belonging at their high school and equip them to succeed academically.

Dean of Students Johnathan Ragoo said New Student Academy at DSST: Conservatory Green is designed to bridge the gap between middle and high school. Students learned about school expectations, found their classrooms through a building-wide scavenger hunt, tackled a science activity, and participated in field day.

“It’s important to let students still be kids as they make the transition into the high school environment,” he said. In the program’s closing circle, students talked about what they learned and what they wanted to take with them into the school year.

At Denver School of the Arts, Ninth Grade Academy introduced “students to what it means to be a student at a school devoted to the arts,” said John Jackson, a science teacher and senior team lead. “We don’t want them to have to figure out high school on the fly.”

During Ninth Grade Academy at Denver School of the Arts, students played volleyball in the courtyard and ate pizza.

During the DSA orientation, freshmen reviewed graduation requirements and the differences among non-honors, honors, and AP courses. Ninth grader Emila Shoe said, “It helped me think about study skills and classes I want to take.” Fellow student Makaila Crouch-Pyne added, “We’ve gotten to meet teachers and administrators and make connections.”

They had fun, too, playing volleyball and tie-dying T-shirts emblazoned with “Class of 2030.” Jackson noted that the shirts are a long-standing DSA tradition, with students wearing their tie-dyed gear throughout high school.

Northfield High School’s version of Ninth Grade Academy mixed practical preparation with intense community- building. Each day concluded with a pep rally featuring competitive cheers, shoutouts to staff members, and activities like musical chairs.

At NHS, orientation serves as a “springboard” to Advisory, a year-long class for freshmen that combines executive functioning and social-emotional skills, said Ninth Grade Assistant Principal and Activities Director Bonnie Martin. During Ninth Grade Academy, students were grouped with classmates who would be part of their Advisory class, enabling them to build friendships from day one.

Incoming Northfield High School freshmen stood to cheer during a pep rally. Divided into Gold and Navy houses, the students competed to see which group could make the most noise.

The goal, Martin said, is straightforward: “Keep students on track through ninth grade and ultimately to graduation.”

Junior Sydney Beers, who serves as a mentor in Advisory, said the system works. “Ninth Grade Academy and Advisory mean you get the support you need,” she said.

Allison Cetak, NHS senior team lead over ninth grade and Advisory, said the best part of orientation is the connection between students and trusted adults. “Getting to have this dedicated time where the only thing we have to do as adults is care about kids and help them prepare to succeed is such a gift,” she said. “It really feels like summer camp.”

Front Porch photos by Christie Gosch