The F.I.R.S.T. 9th Grade Program is designed to provide a student-centered, holistic program of learning based on the premise that learning occurs best when experiences in and out of the classroom are connected through integrated teaching approaches and planning. The F.I.R.S.T. Program at Tilton sets the tone for personal success, healthy development and achievement in a challenging learning environment based on active learning and community engagement.

The three elements of the F.I.R.S.T. Program include an Integrated Academic Program, a Residential Program, and a year-long 9th Grade Seminar led by the 9th Grade Teaching Team.

An Integrated Academic Program is the FOUNDATION upon which the students build. Our Academics are an engaging and rigorous program designed to stimulate intellectual curiosity, promote active learning, instill long-lasting study skills and develop higher-level thinking skills. The program combines core courses in English, Social Sciences and Art with individual placement in World Languages, Mathematics and Science. In Mathematics, Science, English and Social Sciences, students can seek Honors designations by engaging in projects designed to push students to think critically, creatively solve real-world problems and communicate about these problems and their solutions effectively.

The Residential Program, designed to engage students in the school community and foster healthy relationships between peers and adults, is fully connected with the Integrated Academic Program, supporting the developmental needs of 9th-grade students. In our Residential Program, both boarding and day students examine, discuss and learn to live with RESPECT and INTEGRITY within a small, caring and trusting 9th Grade dormitory community.

The 9th Grade Seminar is incorporated into each student's academic schedule. The Seminar has three major components: academic skills, health and personal discovery, and learning to effectively navigate an increasingly complex, changing and diverse world. Two periods a week, students engage in hands-on activities with faculty members and one another in one of these three areas of focus to help them develop a commitment to SERVICE and TEAMWORK.

The F.I.R.S.T. Program is planned and taught by an experienced team of teachers, specially trained in the most recent research on and implementation of strategies in adolescent education. This team works closely together, meeting frequently to discuss student progress and make proactive plans for each student to reach their Power of Potential.

For questions about the F.I.R.S.T. Program, please contact:

Tom DeRigo, Academic Coordinator and Co-Director of the F.I.R.S.T. and 10th Grade Programs

tderigo@tiltonschool.org

603-286-1736

Jon Rand, Student Life Coordinator and Co-Director of the F.I.R.S.T. and 10th Grade Programs

jrand@tiltonschool.org