Requires the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to establish a Sixth and Ninth Grade Academy Pilot Program for up to 10 local school administrative units to establish sixth and ninth grade academy programs, with the purpose of providing comprehensive support for sixth and ninth grade students transitioning from elementary school to middle school and middle school to high school. Sets the length of the program at five years, beginning with the 2025-26 school year and ending with 2029-30. Requires DPI, by September 15, 2024, to develop criteria and procedures for a local school administrative unit to apply to participate. Sets out items that must be included in the application. Requires participant selection by December 15, 2024. Requires DPI to contract with an independent research organization for the length of the program to evaluate the implementation and success of the programs. Sets out dates by which that organization must report to the State Board of Education and DPI; also sets out dates by which DPI must report to the specified NCGA committee, beginning in 2026.

Appropriates $1,442,560 in recurring funds for 2024-25 from the General Fund to DPI to support implementation of the pilot program; allows using up to $200,000 for the contract with the independent research organization.

Effective July 1, 2024.