The transition from 8th to 9th grade sets the tone for high school success. Ninth grade can be a predictor of future success for students. This session will explore a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to working directly with freshmen to promote academic achievement, engagement, and long-term planning. Participants will learn how to implement strategies such as minute meetings, individualized graduation plans, and targeted interventions for academically at-risk students. Using research from the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research, learn what steps one school took to put freshmen on track to graduation and post-secondary success.