programs : freshman tutorial

Supporting 9th graders in a successful transition to high school.

Currently 70 students / 14 teachers

Transition to high school has proven daunting for many freshmen, especially students with academic, organizational, or social challenges.  The Freshman Tutorial Program, launched in 2005, is modeled after the BHS Tutorial program. Teachers representing four traditional academic departments provide individualized content and study skills support for freshmen. Students in the Program experience a 5 to 1 student/teacher ratio and a peer supported learning environment.  This Program helps incoming students meet the increased demands of a high school setting and allows for selective early intervention with vulnerable incoming freshman identified by their elementary schools.

An independent survey of teachers, parents, and students conducted in the first year reports gains in homework completion, organizational skills, self-advocacy, academic content knowledge, and the ability to “navigate” a new school.  The early results of the Freshman Tutorial have shown that it honors the culture and context of the Brookline Schools while providing the individual social and academic support required by some freshman.

Following up on recommendations from an initial evaluation, we increased staff training, stepped up collaboration with 8th grade teams to identify appropriate students for the program, and developed more consistent and structured course expectations and grading criteria.

Ultimately, we believe this approach will be a model of how to personalize and individualize the high school experience for students in large schools.

“Freshman Tutorial helped me identify what I need to work on as a student,” said a student in the program.  “My favorite part has been seeing how I have improved on things throughout the year.  This class is a good way to start out high school because it keeps you organized and prioritized.  You don’t get stressed and overwhelmed because Freshman Tutorial focuses on what you need help with.”

This program is currently being funded by the 21st Century Fund.