Ninth grade poses unique academic, physical, social, and emotional challenges to students; in fact, it may be the defining year for predicting high school success. It could also be the last chance to catch pupils who are in danger of dropping out of school. The Freshman Center program attempts to give ninth graders the opportunity to succeed. This paper describes the program, presents a case study of two Freshman Centers, and includes many questions and responses about the program. The North and South Cache Freshman Centers were organized to meet those unique needs of ninth graders as they move through the transition to high school. Curriculum, accountability, and quality control were important elements of the ninth grade program development. The South Cache Freshman Center (510 students) promotes success, respect, and responsibility by developing a Student Educational and Occupational Plan (SEOP) and a portfolio for each student. Additionally, 15 to 20 hours are spent with students exploring careers and charting a direction through high school. The North Cache Freshman Center (600 students) utilizes integrated interdisciplinary units and SEOPs to prepare the ninth graders for a progressive high school with competency-based teaching. An outline of the 1995-96 South Cache Freshman Center schedule is included. (LSR)