Ninth Grade

Contrasts in Dialogue, Polarities in Balance 

In Ninth Grade, we come back to the question “What?” What is the world and what can we understand about how it works? Often, we find the answers to our questions emerge through the study of contrasts, the central theme of the Ninth Grade curriculum. Looking at polarities—like the contrast between comedy and tragedy in classical theater, the properties of heat and cold in thermodynamics, or the aesthetic richness of interplay in black and white drawing—we learn about the balance between extremes. 

The world is an extraordinary place. In the first year of high school, you’ll explore it—traveling across the globe, through time and history, and across subjects and disciplines to understand the world around us. Working side by side with classmates and teachers, you’ll analyze, discuss, and learn to see the world as it was in the past, as it is today, and as it can be in the future.

Through a blend of core coursework, year-long classes, and elective offerings, the Ninth Grade curriculum covers the following subjects. (Courses marked with an asterisk are “deep dive” blocks, taught in 105-minute sessions during Morning Lesson.)

Science

• Biology: Anatomy & Physiology*
• Chemistry: Organic Chemistry*
• Physics: Thermodynamics*
• Earth Science: Geology*

Mathematics

• Mathematics: Algebra I or Honors Algebra II
• Descriptive Geometry*

History

• History: Revolutions
• Idealism and Humanity*

Cultural Studies

• Pacific Rim*

Language Arts and Humanities

• English: Comedy and Tragedy*
• English: Idealism and Humanity*
• Grammar
• Native American Literature
• Heroes of Movements

World Languages

• Spanish I or II; Mandarin I

Aesthetics

• Art History*

Music and Performing Arts Electives

• Concert Choir
• Orchestra
• Jazz Ensemble
• Beginning or Advanced Guitar
• Exploring Music
• Acting Ensemble

Visual Arts Electives

• Visual & Practical Arts: Basketry; Black & White Drawing; Hammered Copper 
• Theater: Foundations in Acting

9th Grade Complementary Learning

• Eurythmy
• Health
• Study Skills 
• Geology Field Trip: a week of rocks and talks on the Sonoma Coast