Ninth Grade Program

List of 8 items.

• Academics

  Ninth graders at Fay participate in a challenging and stimulating high school-level curriculum that offers thorough preparation for secondary school: 

  • English 9: A deep dive into literary classics, analytical writing, and public speaking, including Fay’s annual Speech Contest 
  • Math: Courses tailored to each student’s skill level, including Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus 
  • Biology 9: Hands-on lab experiences and a winter-term independent investigation based on individual student interest
  • Topics in Modern America: A survey of American history focused on research and analysis of primary sources 
  • World Languages: Options to study Spanish, French, Mandarin, or Latin
    
    

  Additional electives, including Advanced Studio Art, Advanced Design Portfolio, Robotics, and Coding for Apps and Games are popular among ninth graders, and students take advantage of Fay’s Center for Creativity and Design for hands-on learning across all subjects.

• A Leadership Year

  Fay’s ninth graders take the lead across many aspects of school life with unique opportunities to serve as team captains, student council president, color team presidents, Athletics Council Members, Heads’ Council Members, dorm proctors, day student proctors, orientation leaders, student admission ambassadors, Fay Helpers, Community Connections leaders, and team captains. In the fall of 8th grade and spring of 9th grade, students participate in Leadership Season, where they are encouraged to apply for leadership roles that fit their interests and skills.

• Independence and Privileges

  In recognition of their increased maturity, ninth graders are granted additional privileges and independence in preparation for the transition to secondary school, which include opportunities to enjoy free periods on the Quad, walk into downtown Southborough on the weekends, later tech turn-in times for boarding students, and priority signups for weekend trips. 

• Student Life

  During a year filled with opportunities for growth, ninth graders participate trips and experiences that allow them to develop meaningful connections with their classmates and teachers. In addition to their participation in small advisory groups of 6-8 students throughout the year, ninth graders attend leadership retreats at the beginning and end of the school year. They also participate in a multi-day trip to Georgia and Alabama to explore landmarks of the Civil Rights Movement. 

• Arts

  Now’s your chance to be the lead in the play….or to audition for the very first time! In addition to regular offerings in drama and dance, ninth graders can choose from a host of music options as well as a variety of art electives that offer the opportunity to hone artistic skills and discover new interests.
  
  Read more:
  Music Courses
  Art Courses
  Drama
  Dance

• Athletics

  The opportunity to shine as leaders on our varsity teams is a highlight of their ninth grade experience, and Fay’s experienced varsity coaches call upon ninth graders to serve as role models, on and off the field.
  
  

  Ninth graders can take full advantage of Fay’s exceptional athletic facilities, which include ten full-size fields, an indoor turf field, baseball and softball diamonds, batting cages, four basketball courts, two fitness centers, eight tennis courts, a ropes course, and an indoor rock climbing wall. 
  
  

  Every ninth grader participates in at least one team sport during the year. Students can choose from 20 sports, including baseball, basketball, cross-country, field hockey, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, skiing/snowboarding, soccer, softball, squash, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling, as well as our on-campus intramural athletic options, multi-sport, and dance. 
  
  

  Our varsity teams play (and win!) against peer schools including Belmont Hill, BB&N, Dana Hall, Dexter Southfield, Fessenden, Noble & Greenough, Milton, Rectory, and Rivers.

• Five-Day and Seven-Day Boarding Options

  Fay’s ninth graders come from across the U.S. and around the world, so the majority take advantage of Fay’s best-in-class residential life program. For many ninth graders, boarding at Fay offers a first opportunity to live away from home, and students benefit from experiencing boarding life in a junior boarding school setting prior to secondary school.
  
  

  Our boarders live in comfortable, well-supervised dormitories and participate in a program that is structured, nurturing—and fun. Evening study halls help students develop positive study habits, and weekends offer boarding students a rich array of on- and off-campus activities.

• Secondary School Counseling

  Fay’s ninth graders have an outstanding record of acceptance at competitive secondary schools. Fay’s Secondary School Counseling Office includes three experienced professionals who coordinate a personalized program.
  
  Prior to the admission season, students and families work with their secondary school counselor to create a comprehensive list of school options. Students and families participate in seminars and workshops throughout the year, and students attend our Spring Boarding School Fair and Fall Mini-Fair events, which are attended by over 100 secondary schools.
  
  Students spend a week in October visiting schools; once their list of schools is finalized, the secondary school counselor assists in managing and submitting transcripts and recommendations from Fay faculty. Counselors advocate for their applicants at every school where they apply. 

  
  See our secondary school placement list.