Ninth Grade Curriculum

Ninth Grade Curriculum

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Your ninth grader is advancing their analytical thinking, often tackling more abstract and complex ideas, and applying their knowledge to real-world situations. Ninth graders can choose from several course options for math, science, and social studies. Plus, learners love that they get to choose from 15 elective options.

Most popular core classes for ninth graders include:

  • English 9 - Evaluate classic and contemporary literature while incorporating analysis and essay writing.
  • Algebra I - Explore linear, polynomial, and quadratic functions.
  • Biology - Discover the intricacy of cell biology, genetics, and the human body
  • U.S. History - Examine historical events from the Era of Exploration through Industrial Revolution

Ninth graders choose from the following elective options:

  • Art History I
  • Computer Applications - Office 2019
  • Concepts in Probability and Statistics
  • Contemporary Health
  • Economics
  • Environmental Science
  • Foundations of Personal Wellness
  • Healthy Living
  • Intro to Art
  • Intro to Communications and Speech
  • Lifetime Fitness
  • Personal Finance
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Strategies for Academic Success

Math Alternatives:

  • Algebra I
  • Geometry
  • Algebra II
  • Pre-Calculus
  • Trigonometry - only one semester

Science Alternatives:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics

Social Studies Alternatives:

  • US History I
  • Survey of World History
  • US History II
  • US Government

This outline shows an example of both what your child will learn (the scope) and the order in which the lessons build on each other (the sequence). More detailed lesson plans are available in the parent account. All lesson plans are entirely customizable.

English 9

1. Mythology

  • Compare myths across cultures to understand values, plot structure, and heroic traits.
  • Write a narrative and analyze suspense in myths like Perseus and The Cruel Tribute.

2. The Epic Hero’s Quest

  • Read The Odyssey to examine character motivation, symbolism, and themes.
  • Write a character analysis and research mythical figures for an informative essay.

3. Individuality and Conformity

  • Analyze conflict, imagery, and characterization in texts like Initiation and The Scarlet Ibis.
  • Explore identity, voice, and extended metaphor through poems and blogs.

4. Independence and the Bicycle

  • Read Wheels of Change to examine central ideas, argument, and historical context.
  • Create a public service ad and make inferences from paired fiction and nonfiction.

5. Nature and the Environment

  • Compare poems for sound devices, mood, and structure.
  • Analyze arguments and purpose in environmental texts like The Hot Zone and Silent Spring.

6. Making a Difference

  • Explore how individuals face and transform conflict in texts like Iqbal and Warriors Don’t Cry.
  • Write persuasive emails, engage in group discussions, and analyze character development.

7. Caring

  • Read stories and poems about sacrifice, love, and conflict like The Gift of the Magi.
  • Analyze poetic form, narrative tension, and write informative essays on theme and character.

8. Tragedy and Drama

  • Study dramatic elements and themes in Romeo and Juliet through characterization and soliloquy.
  • Adapt scenes and write about mood, irony, and resolution using Shakespearean structure.

9. Mystery and Suspense

  • Examine suspense and mood in stories like The Raven and The Most Dangerous Game.
  • Write arguments and literary analyses using evidence and author techniques.

10. Espionage and Intrigue

  • Analyze central ideas and text structure in The Dark Game and The Code Book.
  • Write a compare-and-contrast essay and practice MLA formatting.

11. Fighting for Equality

  • Read fiction and nonfiction exploring civil rights, rhetoric, and historical conflict.
  • Write argumentative essays and analyze speeches by Lincoln, MLK, and Rosa Parks.

12. Unity and Division

  • Trace central ideas and rhetorical strategies in texts like A Quilt of a Country and Roosevelt’s speech.
  • Plan, cite, and present a multimedia research project with a works cited page.

Algebra I

1. Foundations of Algebra

  • Variables, Expressions, Properties

2. Solving Equations

  • One- and Two-Step Equations

3. Solving Inequalities

  • Graphing and Compound Inequalities

4. Linear Equations

  • Slope, y-intercept, Graphs

5. Systems of Equations

  • Substitution and Elimination

6. Exponents and Exponential Functions

  • Laws of Exponents, Growth and Decay

7. Polynomials

  • Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying

8. Factoring

  • GCF, Trinomials, Special Products

9. Quadratic Equations

  • Graphing, Solving, Discriminant

10. Functions and Statistics

  • Domain, Range, Data Displays

Biology

1. Science of Biology

  • Scientific Method and Tools

2. Chemistry of Life

  • Atoms, Molecules, Water, pH

3. Cell Structure and Function

  • Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes

4. Cell Transport

  • Osmosis, Diffusion, Active Transport

5. Photosynthesis

  • Chloroplast, Light-Dependent Reactions

6. Cellular Respiration

  • Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, ATP

7. Cell Division

  • Mitosis and Cytokinesis

8. Introduction to Genetics

  • Genes, Alleles, Punnett Squares

9. DNA and RNA

  • Replication, Transcription, Translation

10. Genetic Engineering

  • Biotechnology and Ethics

11. Human Heredity

  • Disorders, Pedigrees, Karyotypes

12. Evolution

  • Darwin, Natural Selection

13. Classification

  • Taxonomy and Domains

14. Microorganisms and Fungi

  • Bacteria, Viruses, Protists

15. Plants

  • Structure and Reproduction

16. Invertebrates

  • Sponges, Worms, Arthropods

17. Vertebrates

  • Fish, Amphibians, Mammals

18. Human Body Systems

  • Digestive, Respiratory, Nervous

19. Ecology

  • Food Chains, Biomes, Energy Flow

U.S. History

1. Colonial America

  • Foundations and Economy

2. American Revolution

  • Causes and Consequences

3. Founding Documents

  • Declaration, Constitution, Bill of Rights

4. Early Republic

  • Political Parties and Policies

5. Westward Expansion

  • Territorial Growth, Manifest Destiny

6. Sectionalism

  • Slavery, Tariffs, State Rights

7. Civil War

  • Causes, Battles, Effects

8. Reconstruction

  • Amendments and Freedmen’s Bureau

9. Industrialization

  • Factories, Urban Growth, Innovation

10. Immigration and Reform

  • Ellis Island, Labor Movements

11. U.S. as a World Power

  • Spanish-American War, Foreign Policy

Student benefits

Build executive functioning skills

Time4Learning fosters independent learning skills while keeping parents involved to monitor and support their academic progress.

College and career readiness

Time4Learning helps students meet homeschool requirements to graduate and pursue college and career dreams.

Flexible course options

Easily swap between 9th - 12th grade levels and courses at any point in the year.

Parent benefits

Streamlined planning

Our Activity Planner simplifies the process of organizing subjects based on your teen’s interests and weekly schedule.

Effortless grading

Our platform handles the grading and record-keeping, so you can focus on guiding your teen’s educational journey.

Facilitator tools

Access printable lesson plans, teaching tools, detailed reports, and parent support to confidently assist your teen, no matter how long it’s been since you were in high school.

FAQs

Yes, students who use Time4Learning for their education can successfully get into college. Time4Learning provides a robust curriculum that meets most state standards, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed for higher education.

For homeschooling families, the key is creating proper records, including transcripts, test scores (like SAT or ACT), and a portfolio of your student's work. Time4Learning’s progress reports and tools make it easier to document and showcase your child's academic achievements. Many Time4Learning graduates have been accepted into colleges and universities across the country.

Yes, most employers recognize a homeschool diploma as valid, provided it meets your state's homeschooling laws and includes proper documentation. A homeschool diploma issued by parents or an umbrella school is considered equivalent to a diploma from a traditional school.

Here’s what helps ensure your homeschool diploma is recognized:

  1. Compliance with State Laws: Follow your state’s homeschooling regulations, which may include keeping records, filing intent-to-homeschool forms, or conducting standardized tests.
  2. Well-Drafted Transcript: Provide a detailed transcript showing the courses completed, grades, and credits earned. Time4Learning offers progress reports that can be used to build this.
  3. Optional GED: If you're concerned about recognition, some homeschool graduates also take the GED test, though it’s often unnecessary if proper documentation is provided.

No, Time4Learning does not currently offer Advanced Placement (AP) classes. However, it provides a robust high school curriculum that can prepare students for AP courses or exams offered through other programs.

If your student wants to take AP classes, you can supplement Time4Learning with external AP programs, such as those offered by online schools, community colleges, or the College Board’s AP Classroom. Time4Learning’s flexible schedule makes it easy to integrate additional coursework.

Taking AP exams is open to all students, so your child can still earn college credit or demonstrate advanced knowledge by registering for exams through the College Board, even if they don't take an official AP course.

Time4Learning offers several features that make it a great option for children with special needs:

Self-Paced Learning: Lessons are flexible, allowing students to move at their own pace. They can revisit lessons as needed to fully grasp the material.

Interactive and Engaging Content: The curriculum uses multimedia lessons, interactive games, and animations to keep learning engaging, which can be especially helpful for children with learning differences.

Customizable Grade Levels: Parents can adjust grade levels for each subject independently, allowing the curriculum to meet the child’s specific strengths and challenges.

Minimal Parental Preparation: The program is user-friendly and requires minimal prep time, allowing parents to focus on guiding their child instead of creating lesson plans.

Progress Tracking: Time4Learning offers detailed reports that help parents monitor progress and identify areas needing extra support.

Sensory-Friendly Design: The online format eliminates the need for physical classrooms, which can be overwhelming for some children with sensory sensitivities.