Build 9th Grade Systems, Unlock Districtwide Success
CORE helps districts turn isolated efforts into coordinated progress that spans schools, roles, and levels of leadership. The Breakthrough Success Community—our California school improvement network focused on 9th grade—offers the rhythm, structure, and cross-system perspective needed to inspire teams, unify strategies, and drive large-scale improvement from the inside out.
Rooted in Rigor. Designed for Real Life.
The work of improvement is complex, but it doesn’t have to be chaotic. CORE brings structure, clarity, and momentum to the change you’re already leading. Here’s how we help districts build progress that lasts.
Data That Drives Action
Across classrooms, cohorts, and districts, CORE reveals patterns to guide your next best move.
Support That Builds Capacity
CORE enables your team to build momentum without burning out.
Coordination That Scales
CORE networks help districts learn faster, connecting the dots across schools, teams, and strategies.
Change Packages That Transform
From 9th grade transitions to grading, our solutions bring the whole school community together.
Improvement Science That Sticks
CORE brings deep expertise in continuous improvement. What sets us apart is how we bring it to life in schools.
When Educators Learn Together, Students Move Forward
From classrooms to central offices, educators across our California school improvement network are seeing what’s possible when data, collaboration, and trust come together. Here’s how CORE’s 9th grade work is helping teams grow their practice—and helping students feel seen, supported, and on track.
CORE’s 9th Grade On-Track work has been transformative for off-track students across our seven comprehensive high schools. Each school team is working collaboratively to ensure students’ academic and personal skills are supported in order to enhance students’ sense of belonging and efficacy. Our work together truly changes students’ lives.
Gabriela Mafi, Superintendent, Garden Grove Unified School District
Participating in this program has been a transformative experience, and I cannot overstate the positive impact it has had on my professional growth and our 9th grade students’ overall success. Participating has instilled in me a profound belief in the power of using data to drive real change.
Abrham Alem, Teacher & Social Studies Department Chair, Oakland Unified School District
Our adult teams improved their data literacy skills and advanced their use of improvement science to improve academic and relational outcomes for students. We have improved our master scheduling practices, ensuring all students are better known by name and by need. As a result, more students are on track for on-time graduation and feel a greater sense of connection to school.
Stephanie Brown, Principal, Lincoln High School, San Diego Unified School District
More Than a Start—It’s a Turning Point
9th grade sets the stage. Attendance and academic performance shapes whether students stay engaged, connected, and on track to graduation.
475k
There will be 475k 9th graders attending California public schools in Fall 2025.
3.5X
9th graders on track are 3.5 times more likely to graduate.
2.5 GPA
Students with a 9th grade GPA of 2.5 or higher are significantly more likely to enroll in college.
Tested strategies. Real results. Constant evolution.
Schools and districts in the Breakthrough Success Community see meaningful gains where it matters most. By combining practical strategies, ongoing coaching, and cross-district learning, CORE supports teams in making sustained progress on outcomes that once felt just out of reach.
45 Schools
The Breakthrough Success Community includes unprecedented collaboration between educators across 8 school districts and 45 schools, impacting 18,000 students.
58%
Breakthrough Success Community schools have seen up to a 58% increase in on track rates, with an average increase of 36%.
76%
Breakthrough Success Community schools have seen up to a 76% decrease in Ds and Fs, with an average decrease of 48%.
Where We Focus
Building data routines that help educators better collaborate to support their students
Setting incoming 9th graders up for strong relationships and engaged learning
Ensuring every student feels known and cared for at school
Designing master schedules that prioritize 9th grade success
Developing fair, motivating, and aligned grading practices
What You Get
National expertise and practical strategies for keeping 9th graders on track
Coaching and learning that make improvement science doable for your team
Clear, timely data to track progress and take action every marking period
State and national recognition for the results you’re leading
Turn 9th Grade Into a Breakthrough Year
Connect with us to explore how CORE can help amplify your team’s efforts and take 9th grade further, together.