Freshman Center
The purpose of the Freshman Center is to provide CHS students with a seamless transition to high school, a sense of community and support to pursue a challenging curriculum.
Class of 2030
|
Date & Time |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Online Scheduling & Canvas Information | 12/8 | 8th graders join Canvas course |
| 12/15 | Online course registration opens | |
| 12/15 - 12/19 | Scheduling information is shared on Canvas and directly with families. | |
| Academic Transition Night | 1/12/26 | Scheduling and activities answers for students and families |
| 1-on-1 Counselor Meetings | 1/27/26 1/28/26 |
Clay Middle School 8th graders |
| 2/2/26 2/3/26 |
Creekside Middle School 8th graders | |
| 2/12/26 2/13/26 |
Carmel Middle School 8th graders | |
| 2/19/26 2/20/26 |
Current private school 8th graders | |
| Frosh Rock Information Night | 4/16/26 7 - 8:30 pm |
Information night for students and families. |
| Greyhound Kick-Off | 8/6/26 8:30 am - 2 pm |
Freshmen orientation for students. |
Freshman Transition Guide 2025-2026
Freshman Main Office
317-571-4620
School Dismissal Manager is preferred to help manage absences and eliminate large quantities of call to front desk staff.
GKOM
Greyhound Kick-Off Mentors
Incoming ninth graders are welcomed and supported by GKOMs, junior and senior leaders who guide small groups of freshmen through orientation, the first days of school, and beyond. You’ll spot them by their bright-colored shirts and friendly energy—they’re always ready to help.
Welcome to Carmel High School
The Carmel High School experience is unlike any other. Here, students discover their strengths, explore their interests, and prepare for their futures through a wide range of opportunities — both in and out of the classroom.
A Supportive Start in the Freshman Center
The dedicated Freshman Center helps ninth graders transition confidently into high school. Each floor, or “House,” includes about 450 students who share teachers, classes, and a dedicated counselor. This structure creates smaller communities that provide connection, consistency, and support from day one. Freshmen have all the following resources and spaces dedicated to only 9th graders, ensuring the support and guidance needed for such an important transitional time:
- Secured entrance (door 13) and administrative office
- Two assistant principals and office staff
- Counselors, social workers, and nurses
- Dedicated school resource officer (SRO)
- Freshman cafeteria
Opportunities for Every Interest
Our curriculum includes rigorous IB, AP, and ACP courses, along with engaging electives in media, performing arts, technology, business, family and consumer sciences, and fine arts. With so many paths to explore, every student can find something that excites and challenges them.
Excellence, Involvement, and Growth
Carmel High School is proud to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School and a Best Buy School. Our students are known for their attendance, character, and active involvement in athletics, performing arts, and hundreds of student clubs and activities. Meanwhile, our teachers continually refine their practice through Professional Learning Communities to ensure every student thrives.
Transition
Research shows us that students entering 9th grade are at a vulnerable point in their academic careers. At the Freshman Center, we are committed to making that transition as smooth as possible for our students. We work to create a seamless bridge to high school for students and parents. We make involvement in student activities a norm for our freshmen and offer the Greyhound Kickoff Mentor program and a variety of opportunities for incoming families to get comfortable with their school.
Community
We work to develop a sense of community in school through the development and nurturing of relevant relationships in academic and extracurricular areas in each House. Each House works to administer to the "whole" student - socially, academically and physically -- by providing a safe, dynamic environment that is supportive and welcoming. In the Freshman Center, we also focus our energies on staying connected to Carmel High School by honoring the traditions, history and expectations of our school.
Challenge
The Freshman Center is committed to creating a supportive environment where all students are expected to excel in an appropriately rigorous curriculum. This is accomplished by building a foundation of solid study skills that supports high academic expectations so our students can continue to achieve above state requirements. Students are expected to develop and maintain a long range plan. Our staff employs a system of intervention for students who do not demonstrate academic proficiency.