The Ninth Grade Houses Program of the New York City public high schools is described, and evaluation outcomes and recommendations are presented. The general goal was to help ninth graders adjust to high school. The purposes were to: (1) generate student engagement; (2) provide opportunity for sustained, meaningful interaction with respected adults; and (3) demonstrate that learning can be purposeful and meaningful. In 1987-88, 97 New York City high schools implemented the program, restructuring the ninth grades into smaller units called "houses." In the ideal house, a student would have all classes programmed within the house, with counselor, attendance team, and teaching staff specific to the house. There was a wide range in the degree to which this ideal was implemented. Implementation data were obtained from questionnaires sent to all schools. Ninety-seven schools replied, representing 494 houses and a total of 57,095 students. Interviews in 1988 with 69 staff members revealed that most participating administrators and teachers reported very positive experiences with the program. Attendance rates were more likely to increase in schools with the program than in schools that did not implement the program. Recommendations for program continuation include: (1) ninth graders should be organized into units with themes, activities, and at least some identifiable staff members; (2) guidance services should be increased; (3) funds should be made available and a program office established; and (4) program evaluation should begin to consider the long-term impact of the program. Four tables illustrate student outcomes, and an appendix presents the implementation scale. (SLD)