9th Grade Explore

Freshman year is your chance to learn how high school works, meet new people, explore your interests, and build habits that will help you throughout high school. You don't have to know what you want to do after graduation yet.

🏫 1. Learn Your School

☐ Learn where to go when you need help: counseling office, College & Career/CCMR Center, tutoring, library, nurse, etc.

☐ Introduce yourself to your school counselor. Don't wait until there's a problem to meet them.

☐ Explore the career clusters/pathways your high school offers.

☐ Look through the school's electives. You may discover classes you didn't even know existed.

☐ Learn about opportunities such as Dual Credit, AP, Career & Technical Education (CTE), certifications, internships, or work-based learning that may be available later in high school.

📚 2. Build Good School Habits

☐ Attendance matters. Get to school and class on time and avoid unnecessary absences.

☐ Keep track of assignments, grades, and deadlines.

☐ Ask for help before you are failing.

☐ Get to know your teachers. Teachers can become some of your biggest supporters during high school.

☐ When choosing next year's classes, choose courses that challenge you appropriately and connect with your interests and goals—not just because your friends are taking them.

🔎 3. Explore Your Interests

☐ Try at least one club, sport, activity, or organization that interests you.

☐ Don't see anything interesting? Look beyond school. Explore volunteering, hobbies, community programs, part-time jobs, or activities connected to things you enjoy.

☐ Start noticing what you like:
Do you enjoy working with people? Building things? Technology? Art? Helping others? Being outdoors? Solving problems?

☐ Explore careers connected to those interests. You don't have to choose one—just start looking.

🎉 4. Be Part of Your School

☐ Attend at least one school event: a game, play, concert, dance, cultural event, club event, or other activity.

☐ Attend a college or career fair if your school offers one—even if you don't know what you're looking for yet.

☐ Make connections with positive adults and peers at school.

☐ Find at least one place at school where you feel like you belong.

🌱 5. Finish Freshman Year Strong

By the end of 9th grade, try to know:

☐ Who your counselor is
☐ How many credits you earned
☐ Whether you're on track for graduation
☐ At least one activity or interest you want to continue exploring
☐ A few career areas that sound interesting
☐ What classes/electives you want to consider for 10th grade
☐ Where to go when you need help