At Fay, ninth grade isn't just a year, it's a launchpad. The program pairs the academic rigor of a secondary school curriculum with leadership, growth, and experiential learning opportunities that first-year high school students rarely get. Here, ninth graders aren't just waiting for their turn; they are charged with setting the tone of campus life.

This blend of rigor and responsibility can produce transformative results. "What happens during the ninth grade year is wonderful to witness," notes Head of Upper School Jake Sumner. "Students arrive in September still finding their footing and leave in June carrying themselves differently." Whether they are running clubs, captaining teams, or mentoring younger students, ninth graders are supported by scaffolded lessons in leadership that give way to real independence as these skills gradually become part of who they are. "By the time Commencement arrives," adds Jake, "these young adults possess a groundedness that comes from support, productive struggle, and a caring community that they both enrich and benefit from."

This is the ninth grade year; here's a look at the milestones and everyday moments that shape an extraordinary experience.

The moment new families arrive at Fay, ninth grade leaders are stepping up, hauling suitcases, answering questions, and greeting nervous newcomers with a warm campus welcome.

This dynamic group of ninth grade leaders meets with Head of School Susanna Waters to share ideas and advance proposals that enhance student life. In its inaugural year, the group spearheaded successful initiatives to add jeans and sneakers to Spirit Dress, a ninth grade Polaroid project (see "Framing the Year"), a friendship bracelet initiative for Valentine's Day, and Spirit Week!

During their three-day retreat at Camp Merrowvista in New Hampshire, ninth graders are challenged to look inward, uncover their unique strengths, and redefine what it means to lead. "Whether they are standing up at Morning Meeting, working behind the scenes to organize an event, or simply checking in to ensure a classmate feels supported, those are all vital leadership skills we want them to recognize in themselves," says Ninth Grade Dean and Director of Student Life Joe Buteau.

Through their annual civic engagement projects, students design innovative initiatives to make our campus and community even more vibrant. By the time the leaves turn in the fall, they are rolling up their sleeves, refining their visions, and spearheading projects like a brand-new student newsletter, musical performances for local seniors, and events for young alumni.

Boarding proctors are the heartbeat of the dorms, building a sense of belonging, sparking dorm spirit, and organizing Sunday boarding community events. Meanwhile, day student proctors spread that same energy across campus, helping out at Primary School lunch and Lower School snack and planning Upper School community events.

Navigating the secondary school process might seem daunting, but our ninth graders don't do it alone. They are matched with dedicated secondary school counselors who are with them every step of the way. From networking with admissions reps at on-campus fairs to curating a tailored school list, mastering interview prep, and drafting standout essays, each student is fully equipped for the road ahead. "We take a highly individualized approach that helps students identify schools where they will thrive academically, socially, and emotionally while ensuring families feel supported, informed, and confident throughout the journey," says Director of Secondary School Counseling Courtney Sargent.

While students undoubtedly have personal goals for their ninth grade year, the Head's Council encouraged classmates to share those ambitions through a Polaroid project this year, capturing the silly, sentimental, and meaningful milestones they hope to achieve before graduation.

Fueled by the enthusiasm of our ninth grade athletes and student leaders, Spirit Day kicks off every season by getting the entire campus fired up for game day.

From welcomes by Student Council leaders to the Fay Voices presentations, ninth graders drive the energy of Upper School Morning Meeting. This year alone, thirty-two ninth graders shared their "Fay Voice." Whether delivering a powerful talk on a personal passion or expressing themselves through a musical performance, each presentation shows how deeply students own their final year at Fay. As Joe Buteau puts it, "The ninth graders understand that this is their year and that putting themselves out there is an important step in their journey."

Ninth grade at Fay is all about stepping up. While the curriculum introduces high-school-level rigor, it preserves a familiar academic structure that champions effort and self-advocacy. As Topics in Modern America teacher John Beloff notes, the skills students hone and the critical thinking they develop lead them to find their academic voice: "The confidence they exude in crafting verbal and written arguments perfectly reflects the profound growth they achieve throughout their ninth grade year."

Ninth graders take a lot of ownership of Fay's weekend events. They design unforgettable all-Upper School Friday nights, including this year's Water Balloon Battleship and the Fay's Got Talent show, and even devise new traditions. One standout was the Morty Awards, imagined and organized by Oliver K. '26, which offered a fun take on senior superlatives voted on by the ninth grade class with categories such as "Most Infectiously Happy" and "Most Likely to be Late."

The winter term kicks off a wave of special perks for Fay ninth graders. Students with strong effort grades can close their doors during evening study hall, enjoy Open Dorm visiting privileges and walk to downtown Southborough and NY Bagel on weekends, and can spend study hall time on the Quad in the spring.

As they embark on their journey through historic Civil Rights sites in Atlanta and Alabama, ninth graders bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world, connecting themes from their English and history studies with lived history. Navigating the complex topics of race and inequality bonds the class together in a uniquely meaningful way. "The ninth grade trip to Atlanta and Alabama will always be a core memory for me," says Tobi B. '26. "Everyone was so connected. It was an amazing experience that I will always remember."

SPRING

Masterminded by the Head's Council, this year's Spirit Week is officially one of our new favorite traditions! It's five straight days of creative, theme-based dress code fun. This year's crowd favorites? Twin Day, Beach Day, and Fancy Dress Day brought maximum energy and school spirit to the whole community.

One last time, for color team pride, ninth graders leave it all out on Parkerville Field in the obstacle course, bean bag toss, and tug-of-war in the Founders' Day Color Competition.

To mark the countdown to Commencement, ninth graders receive a Bucket List Bingo card, a playful nudge to say yes, try something new, and soak up every moment of their final weeks at Fay.

When they need to let off a little creative steam, ninth graders look forward to Motley Day. While technically staying within dress code, students have a blast bending the rules with blazers flipped inside out, ties reinvented as belts, skirts reimagined as tops, and a glorious parade of wild, mismatched outfits.

Before our ninth graders cross the stage to officially become graduates, we celebrate their "almost" alumni status at the Ninth Grade Cookout by presenting them with their class banners, so they can take a piece of Fay with them wherever they go next.

Ninth grade comes full circle with a final retreat: a two-day getaway to Cape Cod dedicated to celebrating friendships, reflecting on their shared journey, and reading letters written to each ninth grader by family and faculty. This year's trip sparked an unforgettable moment of connection. "Mr. Roberts gave an incredible speech about friends and time, which was really inspiring," says Allan T. '26. " In that moment, we all broke into song, with no direction or pressure or incentive. I think we just liked to hear each other's voices, knowing it might be the last time we got to sing together."

From the tree planting and Baccalaureate to the ninth grade dinner and Commencement, the final days at Fay offer a chance to celebrate the hard work, friendship, big victories, and quiet growth that make the ninth grade year so transformative.