A qualitative approach was utilized in this study to examine four transition programs' best educational practices in building transition programs for eighth to ninth grade. An analysis of a retrospective study of the four transition programs provided data to support recommendations for best educational practices to build a transition program for eighth to ninth grade "at-risk" students. This study analyzed redacted student and teacher data to perform a program evaluation about the level of effectiveness of the transition program in preparing students for the ninth grade. Students were administered pre and post surveys that sought to measure student levels of confidence based on their participation in the transition program preparing them for the ninth grade. Teachers were also administered pre and post surveys designed to elicit teacher perceptions about the level of effectiveness of the transition program in preparing students for the ninth grade. Included in this study, adult interviews were conducted of participants who were recent graduates of the high school in the study that also attended the transition program prior to their ninth-grade year. Qualitative data collected and analyzed highlighted best educational practices for building a transition program for middle to high school. Redacted student data from pre and post surveys indicated that overall students found that their confidence in feeling prepared for the ninth grade increased due to their participation in the transition program. Redacted teacher data from pre and post surveys found that teachers of the transition program indicated that the transition program was effective in preparing students for the ninth grade. Significant supporting data was collected from adult interviews of recent graduates who attended the transition program prior to the start of their ninth-grade year. Adult interviews indicated that adults felt that the transition program had a positive impact on their ninth-grade year and the skills they learned they were able to continue to use them throughout high school. [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.]