Start by watching the video below to learn more about the course selection process. Mr. Capehart, your Freshman Academy Counselor, provides an overview of the course selection process and highlights important information that will help answer many of the most common questions. Have a question or need more information, please get in touch!

Required 9th Grade Courses

English I: English I is composed of the following common core content standards: language, communication (listening and speaking), writing, research, logic, informational text, media, and literature. Students will take the English I EOC exam at the end of the course.

Computer Science: Computer Science (CS) is the process of solving complex organizational problems using technical solutions. CS develops computational critical thinking and problem-solving skills that show students how to create and use new technologies. This knowledge base is needed as a launch pad to prepare students for college, careers, and community engagement. Regardless of a student’s ultimate field of study or occupation, exposure to CS education will ignite their future success.

Integrated Math I A & B: Math I students should become fluent in solving characteristic problems involving the analytic geometry of lines, such as finding the equation of a line given a point and a slope. This fluency can support students in solving less routine mathematical problems involving linearity, as well as in modeling linear phenomena (including modeling using systems of linear inequalities in two variables).

Math I students should become fluent in using geometric transformation to represent the relationships among geometric objects. This fluency provides a powerful tool for visualizing relationships, as well as a foundation for exploring ideas both within geometry (e.g., symmetry) and outside of geometry (e.g., transformations of graphs).

Students will be able to create a visual representation of a data set that is useful in understanding possible relationships among variables.

After successful completion of this course, students will take Math II.

World History and Geography: Gives students the opportunity to visit the past, connect with the present, and look to the future. Students study the exploration of ancient and modern civilizations including their impact on and contributions to today’s global society. Students will use knowledge pertaining to history, geography, economics, political processes, religion, ethics, diverse cultures, and humanities to solve problems in academic, civic, social, and employment settings.

Lifetime Wellness: This class will provide instruction in personal fitness development in the areas of cardio-respiratory endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, weight, height, and body composition. Classroom activities include health studies in nutrition, weight management, stress management, drug and alcohol awareness and prevention, STD’s, and responsible relationships. Each day will consist of class room time as well as time for physical activity which may include, aerobic and anaerobic group games and activities, spin cycling, bouldering/traverse rock wall climbing, and top ropes rock climbing. Risks involved with top ropes courses will be discussed in further detail with students and parents before beginning this type of activity. See paragraph below:

The Bradley County Schools’ physical education and outdoor adventure instructors are committed to the safety and well-being of their students. Nevertheless, parents and students should be aware of the added risks associated with select activities such as the top ropes rock climbing courses. Bradley County School District, its teachers, and administrators will not be liable for any type of injuries sustained in association with these activities which carry greater risks.

*The above classes minus Lifetime Wellness are offered in an Honors offering as well.

Advanced Placement and Tennessee Valley Early College 9th Grade Requirements

English I Honors: Students study a variety of literature to develop an awareness of the relationship between life and literary experience while completing all objectives of grade 9. Writing frequently for varied purposes, students develop critical thinking skills in analyzing and evaluating. Modified Oxford debates help develop oral skills. Vocabulary is increased through a study of Greek and Latin roots. Several independent research projects, large and small group participation, required outside reading and a study of persuasion in the media are all part of this course.

Integrated Math II AP/TVEC: Pre-AP Math 2 includes all objectives in the Tennessee Standards of Learning with a strong relation to algebraic concepts such as functions and linear programming. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing, analyzing, and interpreting geometric terms, shapes, and properties. Additional topics in trigonometry, vectors, and transformations are included. Alternative activities such as projects, investigations, oral and written communication, and cooperative learning activities are a regular part of this course. Students will be required to take a PARCC assessment which will be factored into the student’s semester average.

AP Human Geography: This course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications. The curriculum reflects the goals of the National Geography Standards.

Biology I Honors: Biology I Honors is a course that introduces students to the world of living things. The students explore the following: basic life processes at the molecular, cellular, systemic, organismal, and ecological levels of organization; interdependence and interactions within the environment to include relationships, behavior, and population dynamics; cultural and historical scientific contributions of men and women; evidence that supports biological evolution; and current and emerging technology applications. Biology I Honors is a fast-paced class that is designed to meet the needs of the more academically able student. Student selection is based on past performance in Science and Mathematics.

TVEC First Year Seminar: First Year Seminar enhances success in college by assisting students in obtaining life skills necessary to their educational, career, and life objectives. Students will create and apply critical thinking strategies in areas of time management, learning styles, study skills, career planning, resource utilization and media literacy. Students will learn skills that will allow them to be self-aware, self-motivated, civically aware, and personally responsible.

Career & Technical Education (CTE) Electives

Principles of Office Applications: This course is designed to develop computer technology skills. Students will use a variety of computer software and hardware tools and features of an electronic information network. Students will explore historical, social and ethical issues of using computer technology. The students will develop skills that will assist them with efficient production; accurate production analysis; management of information and design, and presentation of a multimedia project. Students have the opportunity to obtain industry certification in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

A/V Production I: This course is offered for students interested in either the Audio and Video Technologies sub-cluster or the Journalism and Broadcasting sub-cluster of the arts and communication cluster. The overlap in these industries is extensive as can be witnessed in television, film, music, radio, newspaper, Web-cast, and entertainment just to name a few. This course is the entry-level course to prepare students for the broadcasting industry. Course content provides a broad based exposure to audio, video, and journalism and broadcasting within the industry. Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to pursue advanced coursework in either audio and video technology or journalism and broadcasting

Fundamentals of Construction: At the completion of this course, the successful learner will be able to: explore careers available in cabinetry, millwork and manufacturing areas; perform safety examinations and maintain safety records; use appropriate hand and power tools to safely achieve industry accepted results, identify parts of a cabinet and produce a working drawing; demonstrate leadership, citizenship, and teamwork skills required for success in the school, community, and workplace; interpret measurements and demonstrate appropriate use of technologies used in machining and manufacturing processes; and use appropriate techniques in wood finish procedures.

Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics: This course is designed to provide students with exposure to various occupations and pathways in the Advanced Manufacturing career cluster, such as Machining Technology, Mechatronics, and Welding. In order to gain a holistic view of the advanced manufacturing industry, students will complete all core standards, as well as standards in two focus areas. Throughout the course, they will develop an understanding of the general steps involved in the manufacturing process and master the essential skills to be an effective team member in a manufacturing production setting. Course content covers basic quality principles and processes, blueprints and schematics, and systems. In addition, proficient students will advance from this course with a nuanced understanding of how manufacturing combines design and engineering, materials science, process technology, and quality. Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to make an informed decision regarding which Advanced Manufacturing program of study to pursue.

Introduction to Business and Marketing: This course focuses on the study of marketing concepts and their practical application. Students will examine risks and challenges marketers face to establish a competitive edge. Subject matter includes economics, marketing foundations/functions, and human resource leadership development. Skills in communication, mathematics, economics and psychology are reinforced in this course.

Principles of Engineering and Technology: Principles of Engineering and Technology is a foundational course in the STEM cluster for students interested in learning more about careers in engineering and technology. This course covers basic skills required for engineering and technology fields of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to identify and explain the steps in the engineering design process. They can evaluate an existing engineering design, use fundamental sketching and engineering drawing techniques, complete simple design projects using the engineering design process, and effectively communicate design solutions to others.

Computer Science Foundations: Information Technology Foundations is designed to prepare students with work-related skills for advancement in the telecommunication and information technology career paths. Content provides students the opportunity to acquire basic foundational knowledge and skills in both theory and practical applications in direct current, alternating current, and power supply circuits. Students also learn the fundamentals of networking concepts for personal computers (PC), networking, determining system requirements, setting up equipment, and performing installation tests for the end user. This course provides the opportunity to evaluate and install peripheral devices and become familiar with operating systems. Students may also acquire basic fundamental skills in both theory and practical applications of language, structure, and typography.

Agriculture Science: Agriculture Science is instruction in the principles used in agriculture, animal science, computer science, plant science, mechanics, economics, aquaculture, and leadership activities. It is a pre-requisite to all other courses in the Agriculture Science Department. It may be used as a regular lab science credit 

Foundations of Family and Career: Foundations of Family & Career is a foundational course for students interested in becoming a public advocate, social worker, dietician, nutritionist, counselor, stay-at-home parent or community volunteer. This course covers the history of counseling, career investigation, stress management, mental illness, communication, and the counseling process.

Fundamentals of Education: Fundamentals of Education is a course for students interested in learning more about becoming a school counselor, teacher, librarian, or speech-language pathologist. This course covers the components of instruction, teaching strategies, types of assessments, student learning, special populations, and educational technology. Students this course will conduct observations of educators at work and create artifacts for a course portfolio.

Health Science Education: Health Science Education is an introductory course for students interested in the healthcare field. This course explores health care careers, healthcare communications systems, legal/ethical responsibilities, teamwork, safety practices, and infection control. Students will have the opportunity to learn basic skills necessary for entry-level employment in healthcare such as vital signs, first aid, and CPR certification.

Medical Therapeutics: Medical Therapeutics provides knowledge and skills necessary to gain entry-level employment into the healthcare industry. This course includes careers such as dental, dietetics, medical assistance, home health, nursing, pharmacy, respiratory, social work, nutritionist, Physician, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Veterinarian, Gerontology Service Provider, Medical Practice owner, Attorney for health care, and others. In addition to careers, the course will focus on medical terminology, documentation/charting, communication, human growth/development, body systems/disease process, pharmacology, patient transfers/ambulation, and the use of medical equipment. Health Science Education is a prerequisite.

Rehabilitation Careers: Rehabilitation Careers will focus on enabling the person to live to the fullest capacity possible. This course will explore athletic training, sports medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech / language therapy, sports medicine, art, music, dance therapy, and others. Students will have the opportunity to gain skills such as strength/conditioning, stretching exercises, athletic taping, physical assessments, and using therapeutic modality equipment. Health Science Education is a prerequisite.

Physical Education Electives

Drivers Education: The purpose of this course is to provide education through classroom instruction and actual driving experience to produce safe and efficient drivers acceptable in society. Students must have their Learner’s Permit before they can register for the class.

JROTC I/II: JROTC I and II focuses on citizenship, building teamwork, and developing discipline and self-confidence. Coursework in U. S. citizenship (Constitution); career awareness; consumer awareness; oral communications; learning styles; conflict resolution; leadership; health (life saving first aid, and drug awareness); PT (weekly physical training); earth science (map reading); U. S. military history overview. Selected students assigned squad level leadership roles.

Fine Arts Electives

Art I: Art I covers the basic elements of design. Drawing emphasis is on line, shape, texture, color, shading, and perspective. Beginning painting is taught using watercolor and acrylics. Experiments include drawing with charcoal and pastels. Subject matter covers still life, landscapes, and the human figure. Art history and appreciation are also studied.

General Music: General Music is the study of an appreciation of music from the beginning of time to the present. Course content includes music theory, music history, ear training, vocal performance, performance practices, music in different cultures and analysis of music composition. Various forms of media are utilized.

Theatre Arts I: Theatre Arts I is intended to introduce the student to many aspects of the dramatic arts spectrum. Emphasis is placed on theatre history, playwriting, and basic acting through the use of workshop theatre sciences.

Fine Arts Programs

Theatrical Production: Emphasis is placed on advanced acting and production techniques through use of script analysis and character development. Theatrical production of a staged play or musical. Audition required.

Marching Band (Fall): Marching Band is offered only in the fall for students wishing to continue their pursuit towards better musicianship with wind and percussion instruments, and performance through the visual/movement arts. The course focuses on the study of reading and performing music of various styles and genres. Physical movement is of great importance throughout this course; students are expected to march and play an instrument or perform with flags, rifles, and sabres. This ensemble will be required to travel to various football games and competitions to perform and compete. Attendance and participation in all scheduled performances is required.

Concert Band (Spring): Wind Ensemble is offered only in the spring for students wishing to continue their pursuit towards better musicianship, and students may only be enrolled upon teacher recommendation. This audition-only course focuses on the study of reading and performing of advanced music of various styles and genres. Throughout the semester, the student will be required to participate in rehearsals and concerts sometimes occurring after school hours, as well as attend a local music event each six-week grading period. Attendance and participation in all scheduled performances is required.

Percussion (Spring): This course is designed to cover the fundamentals of playing percussion instruments and the application of musicianship skills to the genre. It is designed to improve the playing skills and knowledge in the areas of mallets, drums, percussion ensemble, and sight-reading. To be an effective member of this organization, students must exhibit a strong work ethic and high level discipline. Students will also learn the skills and music to play with the Wind Ensemble. This is an audition course.

Ambassador Choir: The Bradley Central High School Ambassadors is a one semester choir that focuses on performing seasonal music for local and regional events as well as two school concerts each semester. With some choreography, they will sing a variety of music including a cappella, jazz, pop, Broadway, gospel, patriotic, and holiday. The choir will have some after school commitments and some travel outside of school hours. Students must apply, audition, be accepted, and pay a non-refundable down payment of $50.00 to be in the class.

Competitive Show Choir: VocalMotion is a competitive show choir made up of 40-50 advanced singers/dancers. Students must first apply, audition, be accepted, and pay a non-refundable down payment of $100 to be in this class. Students must also commit to a full year (2 credits) and are expected to participate in after school rehearsals and performances.