Ninth grade is a major transition — the start of high school and the foundation of every college application. At S1 Education, we help students adjust academically, plan strategically, and begin exploring their goals for college and beyond.
Freshman year grades matter. Colleges look closely at the 9th–12th grade transcript, so setting strong habits early makes a big difference.
Typical Courses Include:
English 9 / Honors English 9
Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II
Biology or Earth Science
World History or Government
World Language (Spanish, French, Latin, or Chinese)
Physical Education / Health
Electives (Art, Technology, Computer Science, Music, Business)
Our Mentoring Helps Students:
Transition smoothly into high school-level rigor
Develop advanced study and test-taking strategies
Balance Honors or AP-level courses effectively
Build strong relationships with teachers for future recommendation letters
Freshman year sets the tone for high school academics. Mentors help students make informed choices now that align with their long-term college and career goals.
We Guide Students To:
Select the right mix of core and elective courses
Create a 4-year high school plan
Understand GPA calculation and weighted credits
Explore early pathways for AP, dual enrollment, or career programs
Track requirements for graduation and college eligibility
Ninth grade is the perfect time to master organization, time management, and independence.
Mentoring Focus Areas:
Weekly goal-setting and productivity check-ins
Note-taking and test prep strategies
Learning how to balance academics, sports, and social life
Developing a positive digital footprint and online professionalism
Building early self-advocacy and communication skills
Colleges love students with depth and commitment. Freshman year is about trying different activities while starting to find one or two to grow deeply in over time.
Recommended Activities:
Join clubs that align with interests (STEM, debate, service, music, arts)
Volunteer in the community or through school organizations
Try for leadership roles, even small ones
Participate in sports, student government, or academic teams
Explore summer programs or internships after 9th grade
Our Mentors Help Students:
Find meaningful extracurricular and volunteer opportunities
Start documenting activities, hours, and achievements
Identify passions that can develop into standout application themes
It’s never too early to start thinking about the future. Mentors guide students to explore college options, majors, and potential career paths.
We Help Students:
Research colleges and what they look for in applicants
Explore majors that fit their strengths and interests
Compare Howard County data from past students admitted to top schools
Connect early academics and extracurriculars to long-term goals
Learn how to use online tools like Naviance for goal tracking
Freshman year is about growth — both academically and personally.
We teach skills that prepare students not only for college, but for life.
Mentorship Includes:
Time management and organization systems
Building confidence through volunteering or presentations
Developing leadership and initiative
Encouraging curiosity, empathy, and responsibility
Learning balance between effort and well-being
Our 9th Grade Mentorship Program helps students enter high school with focus, motivation, and clarity.
Schedule a consultation today to build a personalized academic and college preparation plan.