At Sequim High School, one of our most important indicators of student success is the Ninth Grade On-Track rate, which is the percentage of ninth grade students who successfully pass every course during their freshman year. While it may sound simple, this measure is one of the strongest predictors of whether a student will graduate from high school on time.
Why Ninth Grade Is So Critical
Research consistently shows that ninth grade is a pivotal transition year. Students are adjusting to new academic expectations, increased independence, and the routines of high school. How students perform during this first year has several implications such as, students who finish ninth grade on track are about three times more likely to graduate than those who do not. Also, ninth grade course completion is a stronger predictor of graduation than many other factors, including prior test scores and demographics. When schools focus on early supports in ninth grade, graduation rates improve years later. Because of this, Washington State encourages districts to monitor ninth grade on-track data as an early warning and early success indicator.
Sequim’s Ninth Grade On-Track Data
Sequim High School closely monitors this data to understand trends and guide support. The chart to the right shows what the past several years, our Ninth Grade On-Track rates have been. The 12-point increase in the 2024–25 school year reflects intentional, focused work to strengthen the ninth-grade experience and provide coordinated support for students early in their high school journey.
Targeted Support Through State Partnership
This progress did not happen by chance. Sequim High School is part of an OSPI-supported grant partnership with the Center for High School Success, an organization that specializes in improving ninth-grade outcomes statewide. Through this work a dedicated team, including team lead teachers Holly Raemer and Bridget Shingleton, school counselor and data champion Melee Vander Velde, principal Erin Fox, and teachers Renee Colwill, Denise Dahll, Christy Ditlefsen, Sonja Miller, Sean O’Mera, and Erik Wiker meets regularly to review data, identify students who need early support, align instructional practices, and refine systems that help students stay on-track. Our team is supported by Doug Judge, a trained coach from the Center for High School Success. This structured, team-based approach has been shown to be effective across Washington, and we are seeing it in Sequim’s most recent on-track data demonstrates, that it is making a meaningful difference for our students.
What This Means for Students and Families
Being “on-track” in ninth grade means more than earning credits. It builds confidence, strengthens engagement, and creates momentum that carries students through the rest of high school. When students succeed early, they are more likely to graduate on time and leave high school prepared for college, career training, or the workforce. Supporting ninth graders is truly a community effort that involves teachers, counselors, administrators, students, and families working together to remove barriers and celebrate progress. Sequim High School remains committed to using data thoughtfully and proactively to support student success. By focusing on ninth grade on-track rates and continuing our partnership with OSPI and the Center for High School Success, we are investing in strong starts and brighter futures for Sequim students.