Ninth Grade Success Initiative Boosts Student Pass Rates

Washington families see improved freshman course passage as schools adopt targeted support for at-risk students.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Secondary Education

Gouache-painted illustration of three stacked wooden blocks on a table, symbolizing educational foundation and support, in a muted, painterly style. — A Washington state-led initiative has successfully increased ninth-grade course passage rates by providing targeted academic and social support to at-risk students. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A state-led initiative in Washington is successfully boosting ninth-grade course passage rates through targeted student support. The program currently operates in 78 schools, with recent data showing significant improvements for both low-income and multilingual students.

Why it matters

Ninth grade is a critical academic milestone that sets the trajectory for on-time high school graduation. This program provides necessary interventions that help keep students on track before academic challenges become insurmountable.

Participating schools saw a 6 percentage point increase in freshman course passage rates. In North Thurston Public Schools, pass rates rose from 65.8% in the first year to 75.4% during the 2024-2025 school year.

The players

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

The state agency responsible for overseeing K-12 education and managing the Ninth Grade Success initiative.

North Thurston Public Schools

A local district implementing the Ninth Grade Success initiative to improve freshman academic outcomes.

The details

The initiative pairs teachers and support staff with students struggling with truancy or low grades. Staff conduct empathy-focused consultations with both parents and teachers to identify and address individual student needs. By providing these early interventions, schools are able to keep roughly 15 students per 250-student sample on track for graduation.

2019-2021: Washington launched the Ninth Grade Success pilot program.
2024-2025: North Thurston ninth graders reached 75.4% course pass rates.
2025-2026: North Thurston Public Schools received $6,000 for the program.

The Home Front

The Ninth Grade Success initiative represents a shift toward data-driven, early-intervention models for freshman student support. These efforts are part of a broader statewide focus on stabilizing on-track graduation rates as a key indicator of district-level success.

Parents of ninth graders in participating districts should contact school counselors to ask if empathy-talk programs are available for their students. Families can also monitor report cards for early indicators of truancy or grade dips that may trigger these interventions.

The takeaway

Ninth grade remains the most important year for securing an on-time graduation for your student. Reach out to your local school district to confirm what specific support services or freshman transition programs are currently active in your child's high school.