Thesis advisor: Irwin Blumer / The transition from eighth grade to ninth grade is a critical time in a young person's educational career. Ninth grade programs and separate buildings for ninth graders have grown over the last ten years in an effort to meet their distinct needs. Research in this area reveals very little documentation of the teachers' voices on this subject. This researcher sought to add their perspective in identifying the salient features of effective ninth grade programs which make for a smooth transition to high school. More specifically, the researcher wanted to learn if teachers of only ninth graders believed that a separate facility eased the transition to high school. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2004. / Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education. / Discipline: Educational Administration.