Ninth Grade
Program
Ninth graders have their own social events and grade-focused presentations, and live in dorms together. This academic and social support provides a strong foundation for success at Williston.
Orientation Trip
At the start of each yeach, the entire ninth grade takes an orientation trip where bonds are made over fun and challenging outdoor activities. See photos here.
Dorms Dedicated to Ninth Graders
First-year students live together in the dorms because they share similar needs: the need to talk about their day, the need for study time before an exam, the need to make a big bowl of popcorn and watch movies outside around the fire pits with their friends. See videos of our dorms here.
Class Rep Leadership Opportunities
Opportunities for leadership positions abound in ninth grade. We’ve got a toolbox for you to use if you’re looking for a challenge outside the classroom.
Special Ninth Grade Curriculum
Ninth graders have their own version of a life and leadership curriculum that focuses on first-year success. The guiding principles? Curiosity, organization, reflection, and empathy.
Social Events That Build Community
Orientation is just the beginning. Ninth graders also host a day-student-sleepover in the dorm, compete in an advisory dodge ball game, go head-to-head during trivia night, and have a T-shirt design contest social.
Matt Sawyer and Allison Marsland
Matt Sawyer and Allison Marsland co-coordinate the Ninth Grade Program. These longtime dormitory heads know what it takes to make students feel at home. A dorm parent since 1994, Matt lives in our brand-new freshman boys’ residence with his family. On any given evening, you’ll find him giving extra help, playing pool, and arguing with students about why Boston is the best sports city in America. Allison Marsland, dorm parent since 1992, lives in Wold House with her family and lovable golden retrievers. Her favorite activities: encouraging a spontaneous dance party, baking massive amounts of cupcakes for a dorm birthday, and putting together the ingredients for a mug night.
Wildcat Words
"The Ninth Grade Program helped me create a healthy balance between socializing, staying on top of my work, and reserving time to myself."
Sadie
"Williston’s Ninth Grade Program serves as a stepping stone into the daily life of a high school student. I learned how to be independent while also understanding the importance of advocating for help when I need it."
Brooks
"The Ninth Grade Program really set me up for success for my future years at Williston. I made long lasting friendships, succeeded in academics, and had so much fun on my volleyball and softball teams."
Sarah
Ninth Grade Program Frequently Asked Questions
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Are 9th graders housed in separate dorms from older students?
Ninth graders at Williston have their own specific dorms to stay in as part of our Residential Quad. Ninth grade girls stay in Wold House and directly next door our ninth grade boys stay in John Hazen White House.
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What kind of academic and emotional support do ninth grade boarders receive?
Ninth grade students at Williston receive constant support throughout their first year, highlighted by our Ninth Grade Program. Two Ninth Grade Deans help lead our programming. Students have class-specific workshops and assemblies to learn healthy habits, have grade-specific curriculum as part of their class schedule, and social events for out-of-class bonding on the weekends.
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Can ninth grade day students participate in evening or weekend dorm activities?
Yes, ninth grade day students are included in most of our ninth grade programming. We hold special sleepover events in the dorms for day students, our ninth grade activities on the weekend are open to all students, and our ninth grade advisories combine day students and boarders.
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