It's the first week of high school, and Nia, Booker and Tess find themselves growing in different ways. Nia tries to join all the school clubs her bestie, Tess, feels like a third wheel to Tess and Ramon's blossoming relationship.
When school is interrupted by a Chicago teachers' strike, Booker has a vision and enlists Nia, Levi and Tess to help him start a home study group that quickly spirals out of control.
When Booker suspects that Nia's friend Olivia has a crush on him, he decides to put a "let's be friends" note in her locker but accidentally puts it in Tess' locker.
With his bar mitzvah approaching, Levi realizes he didn't take full advantage of being a kid. Booker encourages Levi to enjoy his childhood to the fullest before becoming a man.
Nia wants to take part in a protest to protect the environment, but first, she has to convince her mom to let her attend. Meanwhile, Raven volunteers to help Levi with his S.T.E.M. project but inadvertently takes over.
Booker sets out to win "Freshest Freshman" for the yearbook, but he's outdone by Nia when she performs the Heimlich maneuver and saves him from choking. Now, Nia is enjoying her new status as a school hero.
Booker and Nia have their learner's permits, but Raven isn't ready to teach them how to drive. When their dad arrives, Nia wonders if she's ready to drive. Chelsea reluctantly prepares Levi for his trip alone to visit his dad in London.