Ninth Grade - United States

United States

In the United States, ninth grade is usually the first year in high school (called "upper secondary school" in other countries). In this system, ninth graders are also often referred to as freshmen. It can also be the last year of junior high school.

In the mathematics curriculum, ninth graders are usually taught Algebra (known as Integrated Algebra in some parts of the country), an Honors Algebra course, or Geometry. Most students usually take Pre-Algebra in their last year of middle school. Advanced courses (such as Geometry in the US) are usually available to ninth graders who are prepared for a more rigorous curriculum, depending on the school district. In some cases, the upcoming tenth graders will take Algebra II. Some districts across the country allow their 10th graders to take Trigonometry or AP Statistics, or even Calculus if the district provides. In 8th grade, average(academic) students will have Algebra topics A. Basic students will be taught the same thing as the average students, but with an extra teacher. Honors students will have Algebra 1 in 8th grade.

In the English curriculum, ninth graders are taught the fundamentals of Literature and touches the fundamentals of speech and debate. They may also read Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare as it correlates with current teenage life and issues.

In the social studies curriculum, ninth graders are typically taught geography, government, and history. In most areas, students are open to taking more advanced history courses like world history or U.S. history with the consent of the pupil's previous social studies teacher.

In the science curriculum, ninth grade students are required, in most areas, to take earth science, or biology. Physical science may be taught as well in some schools. It is often a pre-requisite for most other lab sciences available at the high school level, and is often a requirement for graduation. In some cases, the upcoming ninth grader may choose to take the tenth grade course. Chemistry can also be taken in 9th grade, depending on the district. In some localities, a health class can also be taken for half of the year, and PE is replaced.