Ninth–Grade Academy

Philosophy

In the Ninth-grade Academy all students benefit from an interdisciplinary study of English 9 and US History, in which units are organized around central themes and essential questions drawn from both curricula. Teachers from both disciplines plan jointly to address core learning goals in an integrated, in-depth fashion that enables students to grow as critical readers and expressive, analytical writers. Students remain with teachers for the entire year, making a strong transition to high school. Teachers thus are able to assess students’ strengths and areas for growth on an ongoing basis.

Courses

Every B-CC student enrolled in Grade 9 participates in the Ninth Grade Academy (ESOL and Special Education students may take one or both of their English/History courses in their respective departments). Only Grade 9 students may enroll in the English 9/US History blocks. Grade 9 students enrolling in honors courses for the first time, or students hoping to enroll in honors courses in the future may choose to enroll in the College Preparatory/Literacy course offered in the Ninth Grade Academy. During the scheduling process particular attention is paid to keeping students with the same teacher for the entire year for all of their core academic courses (English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, and Foreign Language).

Location

The Ninth Grade Academy is housed on the second floor of Building C. All English 9/US History blocks meet in the Academy hallway along with mathematics courses traditionally taken by Grade 9 students (Algebra 1, Honors Geometry, Algebra 2 w/Analysis). Students are also assigned lockers on or near the Ninth Grade Academy hallway.

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