Freshman Advisory

The Freshman Advisory and Mentoring (FAM) program is a year-long course built into the core schedule for all ninth graders. FAM provides structured support to help students transition to high school and build the academic and social skills they need to thrive.

Through FAM, students receive consistent guidance as they navigate their first year—learning key school routines, checking in on grades and attendance regularly, preparing for milestones like finals and course registration, and developing the habits that help them stay organized and on track. Through targeted lessons and guided practice, they build skills in time management, self-advocacy, and problem-solving while developing effective study habits and setting goals to monitor their progress over time. The program emphasizes practical tools to help students understand how they work best and apply those insights across their classes. It further builds awareness of how the brain responds to stress and challenge, offering strategies to manage those moments and stay focused on growth.
With guidance from their Advisor and support from their classmates, students build meaningful relationships, explore their strengths, and develop habits that support both their learning and well-being. The curriculum is anchored by Wayfinder, an evidence-based program developed at Stanford University that equips students with future-ready skills—such as self-awareness, collaboration, adaptability, and agency—to support their growth throughout high school and beyond. Advisors also collaborate with counselors, deans, teachers, and school leaders to connect students with opportunities and relationships that enrich their academic and social experiences.

FAM ensures students begin high school with the support, skills, and connections they need to thrive, reflecting the essential qualities outlined in District 113’s Portrait of a Student.