Harvard-Westlake has introduced a new advisory program tailored to incoming ninth graders as they navigate high school. Jon Caroll, middle school dean, and one of the program’s leaders, described it as an opportunity to find campus resources, learn study techniques unique to Harvard Westlake, and make new connections.
The program was inspired by the challenges new ninth graders face in difficult core classes. “The genesis and inspiration for it was seeing the new ninth graders having a tough time in certain courses… in terms of knowing how to study for tests and just how they have to synthesize information to be successful at Harvard Westlake,” Carroll said. He hopes students will feel “more confident and successful in their classes, along with more connected to the school and feel like they are building more social connections.”
New ninth grader Maddy Brown ’28 shared how the program has helped her adjust to Harvard Westlake, saying, “It teaches me study methods, gives me extra time to do my homework, and also helps me to keep track of all my assignments.” Returning ninth grader Naya Budhiraja ’28 also agreed that it would be beneficial, adding, “Many students need support dealing with school and their social life, and a lot of times feel that they can’t go to get help from their teachers. So, advisors can help with school by finding ways to create study guides and good study habits, and they can help give advice on social aspects of their lives.”
