The move from middle school to high school is one of the most important academic transitions a student can face. To help students navigate this shift with confidence and support, YES Prep utilizes the 8th/9th Grade Strategy, a multi-faceted approach that focuses on academic persistence and readiness, with Extended Learning playing a key role.
Extended Learning provides targeted support beyond the school day, creating more time for students to revisit essential skills, build new ones, and engage in meaningful academic enrichment helping them stay on track, and move forward with confidence.
“Our goal is to make sure students don’t just get through the ninth grade—they thrive in it,” said Bina Dao, managing director of secondary school culture. “Extended Learning gives them time to grow in a flexible setting, with opportunities to strengthen both academic skills and school connections.”
Personalized Tools, Real Results
Key platforms like Khan Academy and IXL were integrated into Extended Learning because of their adaptive features and alignment with TEKS standards. These tools offer students personalized learning paths in both math and reading, helping to close skill gaps while building confidence for future coursework. In many sessions, these programs are paired with mini lessons led by teachers or supported by peer tutoring.
Another essential element is the YES Prep Atlas curriculum, which incorporates core ELA books into Extended Learning time. This focus on reading is building stronger comprehension and deeper engagement with grade-level texts.
Campuses saw measurable growth in foundational skills, especially in math. Progress is tracked using diagnostics, weekly check-ins, and alignment to key assessments like MAP and STAAR. In fact, every Math and Science course across the system showed significant improvement on the most recent STAAR exams.
Students in Extended Learning also demonstrated stronger academic habits, fewer failing grades, higher class engagement, and increased tutoring attendance.
Celebrating Success Across Campuses
Several YES Prep campuses stood out this year for their innovative approaches to Extended Learning. A strong tracking and student recognition system helped boost both performance and motivation. Frequent family communication was also a key driver of success, ensuring students had the support they needed at home and at school.
Here are this spring’s top-performing campuses:
February Winners
- Most IXL Skills Gained: Northside Secondary
- Most Khan Academy SAT Skills Gained: Northline Secondary
March Winners
- Most IXL Skills Gained: East End Secondary
- Most Khan Academy SAT Skills Gained: Fifth Ward Secondary
April Winner
- Most IXL Skills Gained: Southside Secondary
What’s Next
Looking ahead, YES Prep plans to grow the 8th/9th Grade Strategy by aligning academic and cultural systems even more closely. Future efforts will include stronger advisory programming, more intentional family feedback loops, expanded support across academics, social-emotional learning, and executive functioning.
Ultimately, the goal is to make Extended Learning a sustainable part of every campus, a space where students not only catch up but discover their full potential.
To learn more about how YES Prep supports students through extended learning, click here.