Freshman Year
Being leaders as Freshmen results in confident, well-spoken, driven teenagers.
The 9th-Grade year at TPS affords students the opportunity to be leaders of the school where otherwise, they would be the youngest.
Our Freshmen are treated as the young adults they are. Their Honors-level courses demand more, and they step up to the plate knowing they are learning in a nurturing environment. They are encouraged to pursue personal interests through the development of student-led electives, each supervised by one of our many supportive faculty members. Within the study body community, Freshmen stand out as role models in extracurricular pursuits. Whether it's during Green & Gold activities, in Buddy Classes, on the field, or as part of the school musical, the Freshman class can be found modeling our core principles: be kind, be fair, be responsible.
Freshmen are granted opportunities unique to the high school experience.
The Freshman year kicks off with an overnight camping and kayaking trip in the Adirondacks. Through this demanding yet thrilling experience, the Freshmen are able to deepen the friendships developed over the years. The following Winter, the entire Upper School ventures north for an overnight ski trip, often remembered as a highlight of the year. In the Spring, the Freshmen spend their break on an international trip. The location varies from year to year, but is always connected back to their history curriculum.
Throughout the year, Freshmen are able to enjoy a dedicated homeroom and lounge where they can enjoy special snacks, study comfortably during study halls, and socialize with one another during indoor recess days.
What Sets the Freshman Year Apart?
The TPS community provided a warm and nurturing environment for my daughter to blossom as a 9th grader. Relationships with her teachers, who coached her with sincere respect and caring, ensured she felt grounded and empowered. In this environment, my daughter developed focus and maturity in her academic decision-making and continued to grow as a model athlete and active student community leader. This experience solidified her skills and confidence, allowing her to continue as a stellar student and active leader in high school.
Tania Arthur
Parent to Freshman Alumna Camila Arthur '19
Leaders of the School
![Camila Arthur '19]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1733425107/tuxedoparkschoolcom/o2wern8pedb5gl6by4qf/camila_arthur.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1733425107/tuxedoparkschoolcom/o2wern8pedb5gl6by4qf/camila_arthur.png","width":450}])
"I left TPS with extensive knowledge and a strong sense of self."
![Sofia Salazar '19]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1733332209/tuxedoparkschoolcom/v4npzmext781si3jvjqn/sofia_salazar_cropped.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1733332209/tuxedoparkschoolcom/v4npzmext781si3jvjqn/sofia_salazar_cropped.png","width":450}])
"Ninth grade magnified my love for learning and enhanced my academic skills."
![Vincent Alban '15]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1733332209/tuxedoparkschoolcom/fqm5pcuecsd83wt1uxp8/vincent_alban_cropped.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1733332209/tuxedoparkschoolcom/fqm5pcuecsd83wt1uxp8/vincent_alban_cropped.png","width":450}])
"TPS shaped me to want to achieve more for myself."
![Ethan Weinstein '19]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1733332209/tuxedoparkschoolcom/il0cqtaf7mkejfkn6rpl/ethan_weinstein_cropped.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1733332209/tuxedoparkschoolcom/il0cqtaf7mkejfkn6rpl/ethan_weinstein_cropped.png","width":450}])
"The freshman experience encourages academic maturity at an earlier stage."
Prepped for Secondary School & Beyond
Freshman Year Curriculum
![Ninth Grade Biology]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1657648155/tuxedoparkschoolcom/sqe3s1pjex3jqjkzqwd4/Science.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1657648155/tuxedoparkschoolcom/sqe3s1pjex3jqjkzqwd4/Science.png","width":500}])
Coursework draws on current research and news items to emphasize the importance of science in everyday life.
![Ninth Grade History]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1657648155/tuxedoparkschoolcom/xmazd3p8yhnhpky5auns/History.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1657648155/tuxedoparkschoolcom/xmazd3p8yhnhpky5auns/History.png","width":500}])
Freshman Honors History aims to give students the historical context and modern impact of the Middle East, Russia, and China.
![Ninth Grade English]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1657648155/tuxedoparkschoolcom/bqdpvxlyr4fqji0brytz/EnglishLanguageArts.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1657648155/tuxedoparkschoolcom/bqdpvxlyr4fqji0brytz/EnglishLanguageArts.png","width":500}])
Honors English students read extensively, engaging in both written reflection/analysis and discussion.
![Ninth Grade Math]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1657648155/tuxedoparkschoolcom/oybm1djcesnchif18q0p/Mathematics.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1657648155/tuxedoparkschoolcom/oybm1djcesnchif18q0p/Mathematics.png","width":500}])
There are three courses available to 9th Grade Upper School students. These options allow students to participate in a mathematics program that meets their needs as individual learners.
![Ninth Grade World Languages]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1658513927/tuxedoparkschoolcom/rfpikyfj29dspubiu1pd/WorldLanguages.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1658513927/tuxedoparkschoolcom/rfpikyfj29dspubiu1pd/WorldLanguages.png","width":500}])
Students can take either French or Spanish for a complete immersion experience.
![Ninth Grade Electives]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1657648155/tuxedoparkschoolcom/tswkx3fyvtcgsootuk5o/Art.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1657648155/tuxedoparkschoolcom/tswkx3fyvtcgsootuk5o/Art.png","width":500}])
9th grade students select two electives each trimester.
Maddie McManus
Freshman Year English Teacher
Our curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to spark curiosity, promote growth, and enhance critical thinking skills in an inspiring learning environment.
After TPS
Begin Sophomore Year Prepared
Our Freshman go on to competitive boarding and day schools, self-assured and well-prepared to join their high school community.
After completing the full TPS cycle, students are equipped with leadership skills, academic readiness, and the ability to advocate for themselves in high school. Freshman are able to apply to their schools of choice facing less competition than they would as a rising 9th grader.
Learn More About Secondary School Placement
The Freshman Year at TPS provides students with a chance to pursue additional opportunities in honors coursework and leadership. As a result, they enter schools like Avon Old Farms with more self-confidence and a greater ability to tackle advanced coursework.
Patrick J. Miller
Dean of Enrollment, Avon Old Farms School, CT
Secondary Schools Attended
Blair Academy
Morristown-Beard School
Deerfield Academy
Peddie School
Hotchkiss School
Lawrenceville School
Miss Porter's School
Hackley School
Masters School
Don Bosco Prep
Phillips Academy - Andover
Delbarton School
Taft School
Groton School
St. Paul's School
Salisbury School
Choate Rosemary Hall
The Madeira School
Avon Old Farms
Emma Willard School
Travel Opportunities
Immersive Education
Ninth Grade students have the unique opportunity to embark on a week-long international trip, fully covered by their freshman year tuition. This exciting experience allows students to explore new cultures, landmarks, and historical sites, providing them with a broader perspective of the world. Past trips have taken students to destinations such as Greece, where they explored ancient ruins along the Mediterranean, and Peru, where they visited the breathtaking Machu Picchu. The destination changes yearly, offering students a fresh and immersive travel experience that combines education with adventure. This program not only enriches students' global awareness but also creates lasting memories and bonds among peers.
Beyond the classroom, our 9th graders will enjoy unique privileges, including surprise trips. Past trips feature exciting visits to Broadway shows and museums in New York City. These adventures are designed to enrich their curriculum, broaden students’ perspectives, and add an element of fun to their learning experience.
Maddie McManus
English Teacher
TPS Has Your Back
We are dedicated to assisting TPS families with a meaningful education.
The decision to stay for freshman year should never be a financial burden and TPS is committed to working with your family. The freshman year experience is an investment that will benefit your child for years to come.
