CDE Field Trips -- 10/29/24: Poudre High School Ninth Grade Success

Poudre High School in Fort Collins has garnered attention for its innovative approach to supporting ninth graders' transition to high school by offering six unique pathways: Agriculture and the Environment, Arts and Humanities, Engineering and Design, Entrepreneurship, Health Science and Human Services, and International Baccalaureate. These pathways are designed to keep students engaged and focused on their educational and career goals.

The school’s commitment to ninth-grade success has led to significant improvements, including a four-year graduation rate rise to 83.5% (up from 80.1% in 2018) and a 13-point increase in its ninth-grade on-track rates, which monitor students' ability to progress without failing more than one course. In recognition of these efforts, Poudre High was recently designated a National Demonstration School by the Center for High School Success. This partnership focuses on enhancing ninth-grade success as studies show that students who excel in their freshman year are three times more likely to graduate.

The school was also one of the first to receive funding from Colorado’s Ninth Grade Success Grant, established by Senate Bill 19-246 to help freshmen develop essential skills for both graduation and future careers. As part of this initiative, Poudre High hosted a Ninth Grade Success Showcase, which Gov. Jared Polis attended, featuring hands-on student activities such as a student-designed escape room, a greenhouse, and a bike repair shop. Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova emphasized that this approach provides meaningful, real-world opportunities, addressing chronic absenteeism rates and helping students see the value of their education early on.

This comprehensive support system for ninth graders underscores how focused pathways and real-world applications can deeply impact student engagement, retention, and future success.