Much research has been conducted to indicate that the freshman year of high school has an impact on a student's potential graduation from high school. Existing literature reveals that through the evolution of education in the United States, schools have been forced to place a strong emphasis on graduation. Many factors, including academic success, socioeconomic status, race, and gender, can impact a student's likelihood of graduating on time. This study looks at the importance of the freshman year of high school programming--specifically two programs at a small urban high school in Northeast Ohio--and their influence on the graduation rate for three cohorts of students. Using a mixed-methods design, the researcher investigated the classes of 2019, 2020, and 2021. Through an examination of school data, survey results from 58 former students, and interviews with nine graduates, the quantitative and qualitative data indicated that the voluntary summer Freshman Academy (a one-day voluntary program) program and year-long required Freshman Advisory (a full-year mandatory course) course do have an impact on student success. For school districts looking to aid with the transition to high school, the results of this research can provide some ideas and suggestions for successful programming. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]