Grade 9

Ninth grade is another time of change. It is important to carefully monitor your child's attendance and adjustment to high school. Most ninth graders take English I, United States history, Algebra I, Biology I, and physical education. College prep students should also take a second language beginning no later than ninth grade. If students have room in their schedules for additional courses, they should take courses required for graduation such as fine arts, technology education, and health education. All students must continue to earn the 75 service learning hours required for graduation.

Sample Content Standards

                                                                                     
                 English               United States History            Algebra                        Biology

How You Can Help

• Be sure your son/daughter attends school regularly and on time.
• Be sure your son/daughter eats breakfast and is ready to learn.
• Encourage your son/daughter to listen and follow directions.
• Help your son/daughter read textbooks, if necessary.
• Help with homework, if appropriate.
• Be sure your son/daughter completes a service-learning project.
• Help your son/daughter understand how subjects are used in the real world and in careers.
• Suggest that your son/daughter create study sessions of appropriate lengths. Most students can focus on a single task for 20 to 40 minutes at a time.
• Purchase a T183 graphing calculator for your son/daughter to use.
• Urge your son/daughter to act as a volunteer or do service learning with organizations that promote the life sciences (e.g., National Aquarium, Baltimore Zoo, Red Cross, Chesapeake Bay Foundation).