9th Grade Academic Options
English
English, Grade 9
Reading literature, reading informational text, writing, speaking and listening, and language. NOTE: FULFILLS ENGLISH CREDIT REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION. This course is appropriate for students interested in a wide range of postsecondary options.
English, Grade 9, Advanced Level
Pre-requisites: English Language Arts, Grade 8 with an "A" or "B"
Advanced work in reading literature, reading informational text, writing, speaking and listening, and language. NOTE: FULFILLS ENGLISH CREDIT REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION. This course is encouraged for students interested in pursuing postsecondary education at the two-year or four-year level.
History
World History: 1500 to Present
Chronological history of the world: the emergence of a global age; the Age of Revolutions; the Age of Isms; era of global war; the world from 1500 to present. This course is appropriate for students interested in a wide range of postsecondary options.
World History: 1500 to Present Advanced Level
Advanced work in chronological history of the world: the emergence of a global age; the Age of Revolutions; the Age of Isms; era of global war; the world from 1500 to present. This course is encouraged for students interested in pursuing postsecondary education at the two-year or four-year level.
Science
Biology
Biology is a required, inquiry-based course focused on providing students with foundational life science content about the patterns, processes and interactions among living organisms. Students will look at content in the areas of structures and processes of the cell, ecosystems, heredity, and change over time of organisms. This course is appropriate for students interested in a wide range of postsecondary options.
Advanced Biology
Pre-requisites: Successful completion of 8th Grade Science, preferably at the advanced level
This academically challenging course includes an in-depth study of the biological sciences. Topics include those in biology, but are taught with preparation for AP Biology in mind. This course is encouraged for students interested in pursuing postsecondary education at the two-year or four-year level.
Math
Geometry with Data Analysis
Geometry with Data Analysis is the first of three required courses in high school mathematics. In Geometry with Data Analysis, students incorporate knowledge and skills in Geometry and Measurement, Algebra and Functions, and Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability, leading to a deeper understanding of fundamental relationships within the discipline and building a solid foundation for further study. The prerequisite for Geometry with Data Analysis is either Grade 8 Mathematics or Grade 8 Accelerated Mathematics. For students who opt to accelerate their mathematical pathways in the 9th grade, Geometry with Data Analysis may also be taken concurrently with Algebra I with Probability.
Geometry with Data Analysis, Advanced
Advanced Geometry with Data Analysis is the first of three required courses in high school mathematics. In Advanced Geometry with Data Analysis, students incorporate knowledge and skills in Geometry and Measurement, Algebra and Functions, and Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability, leading to a deeper understanding of fundamental relationships within the discipline and building a solid foundation for further study. The prerequisite for Advanced Geometry with Data Analysis is either Grade 8 Mathematics or Grade 8 Accelerated Mathematics. For students who opt to accelerate their mathematical pathways in the 9th grade, Advanced Geometry with Data Analysis may also be taken concurrently with Algebra I with Probability. This course is encouraged for students interested in pursuing postsecondary education at the two-year or four-year level.
9th Grade Elective Options
FHS offers a variety of electives. As 9th graders, you will need to take pre-requisite classes in order to get to the upper level courses. 9th grade is to explore different areas that may interest you and continue pursuing the area you enjoy. If you go back to the main page, you can look at the different academies to see the upper level courses that you will be able to take.
This is the required foundation course for all Business, Finance and Marketing programs. Business Software Applications I emphasizes the skills required to create, edit, and publish industry-appropriate documents. Areas of instruction include the integration of word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, database management, and presentation software as well as the use of emerging technologies. Students will have the opportunity to gain industry-recognized credentials to document basic computer skills needed for future education or employment.
Create; produce; elements and principals of design; two-and three- dimensional techniques and media; art history; art vocabulary; aesthetics; criticism; solution of art problems to communicate ideas; safety issues with handling and storage of materials.
Fall Semester
Prerequisite: Band Director Approval
This is a one credit course, novice level, designed for students to experience instrumental music in a marching band setting. Students
will develop a characteristic tone and engage in the processes of creating, performing, and responding as related to instrumental
music, while employing the concepts of timbre, rhythm, melody, harmony, form, and expression. Students will develop coordination
skills associated with marching while playing instruments and learn to connect musical experiences to other cultures and disciplines
within and outside of the arts. Students in band will take the class both semesters.
Spring Semester
Prerequisite: Band Director Approval
This is a one credit course, novice level, designed for students to experience instrumental music in a concert band setting. Students
will develop a characteristic tone and engage in the processes of creating, performing and responding as related to instrumental
music, while employing the concepts of timbre, rhythm, melody, harmony, form and expression. Students will study works of famous
composers of concert band literature and learn to connect musical experiences to other cultures and disciplines within and outside of
the arts. Students in band will take the class both semesters.
Oral reading; children's literature; delivering, selecting, organizing speeches; persuasion; poise and verbal skills.
Composing poetry, short stories, and critical responses. NOTE: DOES NOT FULFILL ANY OF THE FOUR ENGLISH CREDITS
REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION. This course is appropriate for students interested in a wide range of postsecondary options.
A one-credit foundational course that introduces students to integrated academics, employability and career development skills, legal and ethical issues, communications, safety, and life skills. This course is a prerequisite to all courses in the Health Science cluster. This course can count as the .5 credit in Health Education.