The Freshman Academy Impact: A Comparison of Ninth Grade Structures Through Analyses of Student Perceptions and Performance Data

A student’s transition from middle school to high school can prove to be a difficult time, often leading to an academic decline, an increase in the number of accumulated discipline referrals, and an increase in absences. In order to help students make the transition, many school systems are establishing freshman academies on their high school campuses to serve as a metaphorical bridge between the middle school and high school. Clark County Schools employs the academy model. This study provides a holistic comparison between Clark County and Lewis County Schools (both pseudonyms), which does not use the ninth grade academy intervention strategy. In order to compare structures, student performance data was gathered in the form of English I End of Course test growth, absences, and discipline referrals. A survey collected student perceptual data with regard to achievement, attendance, and discipline. T-tests were used to determine if a significant difference existed in students’ performance and perceptions depending on their ninth grade structure. The student used student engagement as a framework as it is a strong predictor of academic outcomes such as test scores, grades, attendance, and graduation within the school environment.