Menlo’s 9th Grade Seminar has been revamped into a year-long experience that integrates grade-wide community-building with critical thinking, human experience, and wellness. Groups of about 16 students rotate through 10 different classes exploring relevant topics like AI, ethics, identity, design thinking, and mindfulness. The curriculum also creates space for essential programming in executive functioning, metacognition, and academic skill-building, led by our Learning Center faculty.

Each course meets approximately seven times over two weeks, allowing students to form early connections with peers and trusted adults including Upper School counselors, the Director of Institutional Belonging, and the Community Engagement coordinator.

Overall, the reimagined and more robust 9th grade seminar better reflects Menlo’s commitment to cultivating a culture of kindness, trust, and belonging while helping students lead balanced, purposeful, and healthy lives.

We encourage you to check out the full lineup of courses here.