Ninth-Grade Program
The Ninth-Grade Bridge: Nine by Design at Kimball Union Academy
The Nine by Design framework intentionally meets ninth-grade students at one of the most pivotal points in their educational and developmental journey. We support students through their transition to high school in the areas of learning, relationships, individuality, and wellbeing.
A Time of Opportunity
Ninth grade is a pivotal developmental milestone bringing a big year of transition and the ultimate window of opportunity.
-
Setting the Stage: Academic performance in ninth grade is a primary indicator of high-school graduation and college retention.
-
Building Identity: This is the critical window where students define who they are as learners.
-
Maximum Engagement: Students often enter high school with their highest levels of enthusiasm; we leverage this energy to build resilience for the years ahead.
-
Bridging the Gap: We provide strong support systems, ensuring no student gets lost in the transition.
How does KUA support ninth-grade transitions?
In their first year, we focus on the "whole student" to help bridge the gap between childhood and young adulthood.
-
Self-Discovery & Identity: Helping students understand who they are and how they relate to the world around them.
-
The Proactive Learner: Explicit coaching in self-advocacy and foundational academic skills to ensure classroom success.
-
Character & Community: Fostering a culture of empathy, kindness, and mutual respect.
-
Resilience & Wellness: Building lifelong habits through self-care and self-reliance.
A Dedicated Support System
While the class is supported by all faculty on campus, a core group of adults, led by a Ninth-Grade Dean, are focused on the class.
Academics: Foundational courses ensure that students are engaged at the highest levels and finding their rhythm in a high-school curriculum.
Residential Life: To ease the transition, ninth-grade students are placed together in residential housing where dorm parents curate a welcoming environment.
Advisory: Students are paired with a dedicated faculty advisor who remains with them through college matriculation.
Your First Year
List of 5 items.
-
Orientation Trip
Start the journey with a fun camping trip (promise!) that will get you ready to dive into the KUA community and meet your fellow classmates and student leaders. -
Residential Life
KUA’s ninth-grade residential program mimics a 'family-style' environment, where House Heads act as 'Third Parents' to bridge the gap between home and independence. -
Academic Programming
Our curriculum will allow you to feel both supported and challenged. Your teachers will know exactly where to meet you and keep school fun and engaging. -
Student Wellbeing
Learn the strategies and resources that can help you navigate topics like health, counseling, conflict resolution, mindfulness, healthy relationships, technology, mindfulness, sleep, and stress management. -
Choices Seminar
In your first year, you'll take the 'Choices' course, a seminar-style class led by experts that covers everything from digital citizenship to self-advocacy to healthy relationships to executive function.
