9th Grade Curriculum

What 9th Graders Will Learn

Math

Algebra II

In this course, we will quickly review the topics of Algebra I. These concepts will be utilized as we weave in more advanced concepts. We will also practice the skills necessary to apply the concepts. Some of these skills include completing the square, deriving the quadratic formula, simplification of radicals, and complex numbers.

History

History I - Classical and Medieval History

Study of ancient Greece and ancient Rome will be the main focus throughout the course. Features studied will be contributions of both cultures/civilizations to Western society and include such concepts as culture, government, politics, arts, and philosophy.

Latin

Latin I

Students learn the basic elements of Latin grammar and forms in the first two years of study. Students begin to build vocabulary. Mythology, culture, and art history are essential parts of the program.

Science

Biology

This biology course is a study of cell structure and function, genetics, and evolution. We’ll follow the chronology of the discovery of cells and genetics. This approach gives students a better appreciation of the significance of the discoveries by humanizing them in a story-like fashion. Next we’ll focus on natural selection as the driving force of evolution and what Darwin meant when he wrote: “grandeur of this view of life….from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been and are being evolved.”

Our hands-on experiences include a forensics simulation using the process of DNA sequencing to identify a crime suspect and the protein synthesis game. And, we’ll view a few of the amazing programs made by Sir David Attenborough.

English

Classical Literature

Students will begin a more focused exploration of genre, beginning with development of literary genres around the world. Classical Greek and Roman works, African folk tales, early Asian and North and Latin American writing, Indigenous works, and European and British pieces leading up to Shakespeare will allow students to explore the early development of literature globally. Deep reading will be used to foster more reflective writing. Students will be challenged to develop their own voice and produce works that contribute to the literary conversation. Publication of student writing and development of portfolio pieces will be stressed. In addition, advanced grammatical concepts will be mastered using diagramming to reinforce the concepts.

Enrichment

Each academic day, students participate in courses focused on one of the following important academic and life skills.

Oratory - Storytelling

Students will learn the elements of storytelling. They will study classic stories, and be given the opportunity to create and present original stories. The year culminates with an Oratory Contest.

Aesthetics

Each year, students will rotate through Art, Music, Dance, and Drama, advancing in their skills and studies.

Study Skills

Students begin their preparation for high school academics by reviewing and reinforcing skills such as note-taking, outlining, memorizing, and time management. They learn to use organizational aids such as calendars, planners, and binders. Students begin to learn research skills such as the use of libraries and databases, and the creation of footnotes and bibliographies. Students learn classroom etiquette and self-advocacy. Teachers use specific content areas to build skills.

Guidance

Students learn tools to form healthy relationships with others, to manage stress, to build self-esteem, and to advocate for themselves. They learn about their roles as productive members of society and communities. They learn the principles and practical application of ethics.