Ninth grade students who attend Boundary High School (BHS) encounter a host of academic, social and emotional challenges commonly associated with the transition from middle school to high school. To the extent BHS ninth grade students navigate these challenges during this vulnerable time in their educational journey determines their overall success in high school. The purpose of this Action Research Study was to identify the challenges ninth grade students encountered during and after their transition from middle school to BHS and to study the effectiveness of implementing a 9th Grade Advisory class as a strategy for supporting ninth grade students. Goals for implementing the daily 9th Grade Advisory class included helping ninth grade students (1) feel socially connected at BHS, (2) become sufficiently oriented to the procedures at BHS and (3) achieve academic success by passing and earning credit in all core and elective classes. Semi-structured interviews, focus groups and student self-efficacy surveys were used to gather and analyze data with questioning procedures that allowed the participants to answer in their own terms. Based on student perception survey results, the initial first quarter grade data, and the qualitative data from the semi-structed interviews and focus groups, the effectiveness of the 9th Grade Advisory class appears to have increased the likelihood ninth grade students can (1) safely build social connections with peers, (2) confidently navigate BHS more efficiently than without the 9th Grade Advisory class, and (3) receive enhanced support toward academic success. Continuation of the 9th Grade Advisory class at BHS in subsequent school years, along with intentional development of the 9th Grade Advisory class curriculum as part of a comprehensive middle to high school transition program at BHS would provide the necessary support future incoming ninth grade students need to finish their first year in high school on track to graduate. [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://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]