The transition from 8th to 9th grade, from middle school to high school, is considered one of the most challenging experiences in an adolescent's life. Ninth-grade transition programs, often referred to as freshman academies, have been developed and implemented over the last decade to address the needs of 9th grade students. The purpose of this study was to explore how the Freshman Academy may influence student connectivity, attendance, and academic achievement. Constructivist and human transition theory supports the premise that cognitive and social development markers are most prominent in the transition from 8th to 9th grade. Therefore, 9th grade transition programs that create a school environment that is nurturing and accommodating to needs of these adolescents may be influential in their academic experience. An evaluative study of an existing 4-year Freshman Academy in a rural New Jersey high school was conducted to provide formative data and evidence of the program's worth to stakeholders. Qualitative data was collected from program observations that included 22 teaching and professional staff, staff interviews, and a review of documented archival data and artifacts to evaluate the program's strengths and weaknesses, as well as its influence on student achievement. All data were color coded and analyzed through inductive content analysis and creative synthesis. Major and minor themes related to program influences emerged with regard to the Freshman Academy's impact on student connectivity to school, attendance and academic achievement. The study may also provide valuable information to assist in the creation of future 9th grade transition programs, which may enhance the freshman transition experience globally. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]