The transition into high school is a critical point in the educational pipeline, and ninth-grade can be characterized as one of its leakiest junctures. This policy brief examines how some states and districts are currently easing the transition into high school for students. It focuses on five key challenges that states, districts and schools should address to support a successful transition into high school, particularly for students who are at high risk of failure. A list of additional resources is provided. (Contains 1 endnote.) [This brief was edited by Louise Kennelly and was produced by the National High School Center. For related document, see ED501073.]