Ninth Grade

As students begin their exploration of the English Language, they embark on an exciting journey as they read a selection of timeless classics. From the thrilling adventures of The Odyssey, to Animal Farm’s powerful look at leadership and its potential dangers, to the timeless romance of Romeo & Juliet–each classic brings a new world to discover. (full year – 1 credit) 9.

At an in-depth and accelerated pace, students develop their ability to recognize and write well-constructed English sentences and paragraphs and to analyze literature effectively. As students begin their exploration of the English Language, they embark on an exciting journey as they read a selection of timeless classics. From the thrilling adventures of The Odyssey, to Animal Farm’s powerful look at leadership and its potential dangers, to the timeless romance of Romeo & Juliet–each classic brings a new world to discover. Recommended for highly motivated students whose middle school performance indicates a level of proficiency in critical reading and writing skills to be successful in grade 9 honors-level coursework (full year – 1 credit) 9.

Students learn the history of the modern world from the Renaissance through the twentieth century and those political, economic, geographic, and social concepts most applicable to life today. Students develop the inquiry skills to become engaged high school students and active community members (full year –1 credit). 9

Students develop skills in basic and beginning algebraic functions, solving and graphing equations, inequalities, and systems of equations, and apply these skills to solve real-world problems. This course is recommended for 9th-graders who have taken 8th-grade mathematics and who intend to follow a college preparatory mathematics sequence including Principles of Geometry and Algebra and Algebra 2 (full year – 1 credit) 9.

*All ninth-grade mathematics courses require a scientific calculator (TI-30XIIS preferred). 

At an in-depth and accelerated pace, students develop skills in working with exponents and solving and graphing equations, inequalities and functions, systems of equations and quadratics, and apply these skills to solve real-world problems. This course is recommended for highly motivated students who have been introduced to beginning algebraic concepts, and it is the first in a college preparatory sequence including Honors Principles of Geometry and Algebra and Advanced or Honors Algebra 2 (full year – 1 credit) 9.

*Prerequisite: Completion of eighth-grade math and teacher recommendation. All ninth-grade mathematics courses require a scientific calculator (TI-30XIIS preferred).

Students will reinforce and build on their Algebra skills through their study of foundational Geometry topics at an in-depth, accelerated pace. Topics include the study of points, and planes as they relate to 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional objects, including area and volume. Students also study topics related to probability, statistics, and data analysis (full year – 1 credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

Students will participate in team sports such as basketball, football, soccer, floor hockey, ultimate frisbee, and other invasion-based games.  Students will learn the importance of playing together as a team. An emphasis will be placed on skill development, sportsmanship, and teamwork. To help students prepare for life outside of high school, all students will also spend time learning basic concepts in the weight room and cardio room. The wellness component will include an understanding of human growth and development; nutrition; first aid; disease prevention (including STDs and AIDS); community and consumer health; physical, mental and emotional health (including suicide prevention); substance abuse and prevention; and safety and accident prevention. (1/2 year – 1/2 credit). Grade 9

Through scientific experimentation, research and dis-cussion, students explore a wide range of topics from the origins of the universe to present day conditions that support the diversity of life on Earth (full year –1 credit).

Through scientific experimentation, research and discussion, students explore a wide range of topics from the origins of the universe to present day conditions that support the diversity of life on Earth. Recommended for highly motivated students who posses the computing, reasoning, and reading skills needed to be successful in grade 9 honors-level coursework (full year – 1 credit) 9.

Unified clay is a class where students work in partnership with peers with special needs in a cooperative learning environment to make both functional and sculptural forms using a variety of hand-building techniques and the pottery wheel. Students develop ideas and craftsmanship as they design and build work and learn three-dimensional design concepts. (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students make both functional and sculptural forms using a variety of hand-building techniques. Students develop ideas and craftsmanship, design and build work, and learn three-dimensional design concepts. Studio fee (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students explore three-dimensional design elements and principles of visual art through projects of original design using a variety of techniques and materials (including paper, clay, wire and found objects). Studio fee (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students learn the basic steps and techniques of drawing from observation, explore a variety of tools and materials, and develop confidence and skill to express visual facts. No drawing experience necessary. Studio fee (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Beginning Fine Arts students learn the basic steps and techniques of drawing from direct observation, explore a variety of tools and materials, and develop confidence in drawing skills to express visual facts. Students maintain required sketchbooks for personal exploration and idea development. Studio fee (full year – 1 credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students who have a serious interest in the arts will explore drawing, painting and two and three- dimensional design, and a wide variety of media and techniques. Students will begin to develop the foundations that they will continue to build upon in the Fine Arts Program. No art experience required. Studio fee (full year – 1 credit) 9th graders only.

Students learn basic design development using com-puters and various traditional art materials. Students prepare for the demands of the graphic designer using Photoshop and Illustrator and develop the skills of the visual communicator as they begin to build a portfolio. Studio fee (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students explore fine arts digital photography by learning about composition, camera control, light and subject matter. Students gain experience using point-and-shoot cameras, DSLR cameras, and image manipulation in the digital darkroom using Adobe Photoshop, and students build a digital and print portfolio. Studio fee (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students explore the metals medium and develop strong skills in metalsmithing, a working knowledge of contemporary jewelry design (principles, artists, and designers), and fabrication techniques including sawing, soldering, cold connection, finishing, forming and stone setting. Students create several finished wearable pieces. Studio fee and purchase of addi-tional materials (full year – 1 credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students learn the basics of contemporary jewelry design and fabrication through metalsmithing. Students learn metalsmithing techniques including sawing/piercing, soldering, cold connection, stone setting, and chain making.  Students create several finished wearable pieces. Studio fee and purchase of additional materials (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students learn the foundations and basic elements of using a traditional camera and of composing, developing, and producing images using photographic media. Images are black and white and created in the darkroom. Studio fee (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students learn basic ballet skills through barre warm-ups, center floor exercises, and combinations. Students learn the history, vocabulary, and techniques of the genre. Proper attire is required for class, as well as participation in the end-of-semester showcase. Some dance experience preferred (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Unified Dance is a creative movement program that has been tailored for individuals with differing abilities, focusing on creating an open environment in which all abilities can participate. Students will learn the elements of dance and the basics in each genre of dance. (1/2 year - 1/2 credit) 9, 10, 11, & 12.

Students explore the fundamental skills and methods of the actor’s art and learn various techniques, theories and skills involved in character development and stage presence. Students read, interpret, develop and perform improvisations, scenes from plays and contemporary monologues (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students learn basic Hip Hop dance skills through warm-ups, exercises, and combinations. Students learn the history, vocabulary, and techniques of the genre. Proper attire is required for class. (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students explore the diverse world of theater, from set and costume design to lights and sound; from playwriting to directing (and acting, too). Students develop their own play, beginning with a design concept and culminating with a complete stage treatment. (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students learn basic jazz dance skills through warm-ups, exercises, and combinations. Students learn the history, vocabulary, and techniques of the genre. Proper attire is required for class, as well as participation in the end-of-semester showcase. Some dance experience preferred (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students learn basic modern dance skills through warm-ups, exercises, and combinations. Students learn the history, vocabulary, and techniques of the genre. Proper attire is required for class, as well as partici-pation in the end-of-semester showcase. Some dance experience preferred (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students learn basic tap dance skills through warm-ups, exercises, and combinations. Students also learn the history, vocabulary, and techniques of the genre. Proper attire is required for class, as well as participation in the end-of-semester showcase. Some dance experience preferred (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

This course introduces students to the basics of print and digital journalism. Throughout the semester, students will explore ethics in journalism and news judgment, interviewing techniques, news writing, multimedia stories, and the legalities of journalism. Students will work towards constructing their own print and digital packages. Does not count toward English credit (Semester - 1/2 credit). Grade 9.

Students gain a strong understanding of the techniques that make a good print, digital, or video journalist. In a hands-on format, students build on their knowledge of effective writing, story construction, style and editing. Students develop the technology and writing skills to produce the school newspaper and TV news program. Students may take the course more than once for credit. Does not count toward English credit (full year – 1credit) 9, 10, 11, 12.

Students with an interest in baking and pastries learn basic baking principles and techniques including measurement, ingredient function and baking procedures. Students prepare a variety of baked goods and pastries including quick bread, cakes, and fruit desserts while practicing safe and proper use of kitchen equipment (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

In this introduction to the world of cooking, students learn to prepare basic foods including quick bread, dairy, cookies, meats, and salads. In cooking labs, students learn about kitchen safety, sanitation, measuring, reading recipes, nutrition, and proper use of kitchen equipment. Students explore culinary-related careers (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students explore their personal growth and development, future life decisions, lifestyle, and relationships. Students improve communication skills and gain a general overview of human development through team-building activities and group discussions, debates, and projects (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students will have the opportunity to take the CT DEEP Safe Boating examination, making them eligible for a CT Safe Boating Certificate. This course offers numerous hands-on learning experiences, including field trips for on-the-water training. Through practical on-the-water sessions, they will develop boating skills and gain valuable exposure to potential career paths within the maritime industry. Students will also explore recreational boating topics such as nautical navigation, recreational water activities, and essential safe boating practices.  (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

This course is designed to provide students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to tell stories and produce digital content for various multimedia platforms (social media, traditional broadcast, web). This hands-on course is designed to teach students basic techniques for video, audio, lighting, graphics, and non-linear editing. Students will be introduced to several production environments including a television studio, live streaming and careers in multimedia, marketing, public relations and social media content specialists. Projects are deadline driven and take place in the field, as assigned. Time outside of class is required. Courses may be repeated for credit (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Chinese to meet every day needs. Students also develop an awareness of similarities and differences between their own and Chinese culture (full year – 1 credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

This course will explore how Classical/World myths address major concepts such as human origin, cultural truth values of a society, and the human need for storytelling. By critically reading ancient myths and contemporary versions of those myths, as well as by examining modern myths in media, students will appreciate the role of myth in societies and begin to understand the role of myth in our modern society. (half year – 1/2 credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students, in all grade levels with or without experience, develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in French to meet everyday needs. Students also develop awareness of similarities and differences between their own and French culture (full year – 1 credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

In this beginning course designed for all grade levels with or without experience, students develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Italian to meet every day needs. Students also develop awareness of similarities and differences between their own and Italian culture (full year – 1 credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students start to build a foundation of Latin vocabulary to support them through higher levels. Students read Latin sentences and short stories, begin to use phrases and sentences and write in Latin. Students develop cultural understanding through readings and discussion. Students will develop novice-level language skills and learn about Ancient Roman culture. (full year – 1 credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Provides students with general information about spoken and written languages and introduces the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the associated cultures. Prerequisite: Open to 9th graders to help decide which language to continue with. Open to 10th graders with a teacher recommendation. (full year – 1 credit) 9 & 10

Students develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Spanish to meet every day needs. Students also develop awareness of similarities and differences between their own and Spanish culture (full year – 1 credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

This course is recommended for students who speak Spanish at home and/or who have lived in or attended school in a Spanish speaking country.  Students improve their literary and conversational skills while building a foundation for Advanced Placement Spanish in their senior year (full year – 1 credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students are introduced to the foundational concepts of computer science and are challenged to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. (Does not meet the mathematics graduation requirement). (half year – 1/2 credit) 9 & 10.

 Students learn the fundamentals of both sports by creating teams and playing in a league-formatted season. Students have opportunities to officiate, coach, and use videography during gameplay. (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students spend a half semester developing soccer skills, including dribbling, trapping, passing, shooting and defense. Students also learn offensive and defensive rules and compete in games. During the second half of the semester, students learn the rules and skills to play badminton. Students compete in both singles and doubles tournaments. (½ year –½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students will learn and develop an understanding of the importance of healthy living and learn to incorporate many different workout styles into their fitness goals including cardio fitness, strength training, or flexibility. Classes may include TRX, yoga, weight workouts, H.I.I.T. workouts, and more.  (½ year –  ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students work on both body and mind by strengthening and stretching with a variety of low impact yoga and exercises and by becoming aware of breathing and movement. Students end each class with a mindfulness exercise.  (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students prepare for AP Environmental Science by studying ecosystem ecology, human populations, biomes, biodiversity, and conservation, and by participating in hands-on laboratory investigations and fieldwork. Emphasis is placed upon the skills to be successful in an AP course (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10 & 11.

Students increase awareness of their daily impact on the environment and learn basic “green” strategies to decrease their environmental footprint upon Earth (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students learn about, discuss, and debate important issues surrounding human health and medicine. Topics include the history of medicine, pharmacology, disease spread, and current issues that relate to health and wellness. This is an introductory course and should not be taken if SMD601 has been completed previously. This course can be taken before, after, or in conjunction with Allied Health. (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students undertake an in-depth analysis of geological processes that shaped the earth and led to the fossilization of organisms during the Mesozoic Era. Students study plate tectonics, evolution, geology, and paleontology through independent assignments, laboratory activities and research projects (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10 & 11.

Students in this class focus on the basics of ensemble playing including, scales, sight-reading, and basic band literature. Open to all grade 9 students with at least one-year experience playing a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument (flute/piccolo, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone/euphonium, tuba, percussion). All first year members of the marching band are required to take concert band for 1 year.

Concert Band’s major required annual performances include the Winter, Spring, and Pops Concerts, and Spring Adjudication Festival. The class requires student participation in after-school dress rehearsals and in the concert performance grade 9 and all upper-grade students with less than 2 years on their instrument (full year – 1 credit).

Students experience positive musical performance in a large mixed-choral ensemble that explores literature including selections from all periods, styles and cultures. Students develop individual and ensemble skills in vocal performance with an emphasis on part and sight-singing. Students attend all required rehearsals and performances. No audition required. Can be repeated (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students with no prior knowledge of piano learn the basic playing techniques and develop skills using scales, music theory and piano performance repertoire (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Color Guard Class is a basic level class open to anyone in any grade who would like to learn the basics of spinning and tossing a color guard flag. No experience is required to join this class, and students will be provided with all necessary equipment at no cost. Students with previous experience will be challenged to learn new tosses, spins, and tricks, and will also have the opportunity to serve as mentors and to create basic choreography for the class. In addition to basic fundamentals, students will also learn about Winter Guard International (WGI), Drum Corps International (DCI), and the fall USBANDS competitive circuits. (1/2 year- 1/2 credit) Grades 9, 10, 11, & 12. This class may be repeated for credit.

Wildcat Jazz Band is an audition-based group, open to students, grades 9-12, who play saxophone, trombone, piano, drum set, electric guitar, upright or electric bass, and trumpet. Students cover a variety of Jazz Literature including Swing, Latin, Big Band, Funk, and Blues. The Jazz Band meets one night per week after school. Wildcat Jazz Band's required annual events include two concerts in April and May, two to four competitive festivals outside of the school day, and Class Night. Auditions take place in December and rehearsals start in January (after school - ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

*Prerequisite: Audition

Students looking for a competitive performance experience paired with the excitement of a fall sport are able to join the NFA Wildcat Marching Band and Colorguard. This ½ credit class is open to all students in all grades and does not require previous experience to participate. A two-week band camp in August where marching, music, and dance basics will be learned is required for all students in this class. Marching Band rehearses three evenings per week after school (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) as well as on Saturdays from late August through November.

Students in grades 9-12 who play a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument (flute, piccolo, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, piano, drums, or mallet percussion) or who have an interest in learning to spin and toss a flag (colorguard) are welcome to join this competitive ensemble.

Marching Band’s major required annual events include all home football games (plus Thanksgiving every other year), Saturday competitions (September-November), The Winterfest Parade in December, two Memorial Day Parades, and other community events.

Students are required to register for Family ID through NFA Athletics and must have an up to date physical on file with the medical center prior to the first day of band camp. All first-year marchers are required to enroll in a full year of concert band, orchestra, percussion ensemble, or symphonic band. (PM Class- ½ credit) Grades 9, 10, 11 & 12 This class may be repeated for credit

Students learn the basics of digital recording, music notation software and MIDI sequencing software. No musical or technology experience needed (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Orchestra is our mixed-level string ensemble which is open to all students, grades 9-12, who currently play or would like to learn to play the violin, viola, cello, and upright bass. There are also limited spots available for Piano and/or Harp however, students must have previous experience with these instruments and must study privately outside of school.

Students in this class will participate in 4 weekly rehearsals during the school day as well as group lessons once a week after school. Orchestra’s major required annual performances include the Winter, Spring, and Pops Concerts, an outreach concert, and a spring Adjudication Festival. Students participate in required after-school dress rehearsals, and as inventory allows, instruments are provided for class use (full year – 1 credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students learn the fundamentals of making and using technical drawings using AutoCAD. Students learn about geometric construction, orthographic representation, isometric drawing, dimensions, and tolerances. Students also learn how to create 3D objects using 3D printers. Strong foundations in algebra are highly recommended for success in this course. (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Students expand upon technical drawing concepts using AutoCAD for two-dimensional and 3D solid modeling applications. Students explore additional software tools used in the industry including Solidworks and Chief Architect. Students have the opportunity to earn college credit while engaging in real-life projects and develop teamwork, design and problem-solving skills. Strong foundations in algebra are highly recommended for success in this course (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

In this introductory woodworking course, students learn techniques and procedures and build foundational skills with hand and limited power tools. Students learn about safety, measurements/mathematics application, proper tool use, and careers in woodworking and related fields. Minimal project fee may be required (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12