What your child learns in 9th grade in Washington
9th grade is the first year of high school. Many students take Algebra 1, and English classes read and write more closely. Social studies in Gradelings covers civics: the three branches, elections, how laws are made and tribal sovereignty.
9th grade subjects in the Washington State Learning Standards
Math
Focus areas
- Quantity and Relationships: Algebra 1: linear and quadratic expressions, equations and functions
- Spatial Reasoning: shapes, measurement and the space around us
- Data Analysis: asking questions, collecting data and reading what it shows
17 units, including Number Sets, Exponents & Powers, Expressions, Polynomials.
English Language Arts
Focus areas
- Reading: complex literature and information texts
- Writing: argument, analysis and research
- Speaking, Listening and Digital Forums: sharing ideas and building on what others say
12 units, including Close Reading, Literary Elements, Literary Devices, Summarizing Texts.
Science
Focus areas
- Living systems and ecosystems
- Matter, forces and energy
- Earth and human activity
11 units, including Cells from Cells, Reproduction, Atoms & Electrons, Electrons & Compounds.
Social Studies
Focus areas
- Civics: how government works
- Rights and responsibilities of citizens
- Taking part in community and democracy
8 units, including Three Branches, Levels of Government, Rights & the Courts, Elections & Voting.
Printable 9th grade sheets
One free practice sheet for each subject, with an answer key. Print them, or work through them on screen.
What to look for on the report card
Look for comments on planning ahead for course choices and credits, explaining reasoning in math and weighing perspectives in social studies and English.
Washington report cards describe learning with Beginning, Approaching, Meeting, Exceeding. See what each level means.
Washington's Social Emotional Learning standards apply in every grade. Read about Social Emotional Learning.
Ready for 9th grade?
9th grade builds on what your child practiced in 8th grade. If a skill feels shaky, a few short practice sessions before or early in the year can help:
- Math: Big, Small & Real Numbers, Squares, Cubes & Roots, Patterns & Two-Step Equations, Equations with Brackets, Tables, Graphs & Linear Relations
- English Language Arts: Close Reading, Literary Devices, Irony, Satire & Allusion, Whose Story Is It?, Reading Detective
- Science: Light & Radiation, Motion, Forces & Newton’s Laws, Work, Energy & Efficiency, Kinetic & Potential Energy, Fields & Forces at a Distance
- Social Studies: Sources & Evidence, Maps, Graphs & Data, Founding Ideals, Rights & Amendments, A New Nation
Common questions
9th grade covers math, English language arts, science, social studies in the Washington State Learning Standards. 9th grade is the first year of high school. Many students take Algebra 1, and English classes read and write more closely. Social studies in Gradelings covers civics: the three branches, elections, how laws are made and tribal sovereignty.
Washington report cards describe learning with Beginning, Approaching, Meeting, Exceeding.
Short, regular practice works better than long sessions: 10 to 15 minutes a few times a week, on the skills your child's teacher flags. Read together, use math in real life, and praise effort.
Practice 9th grade skills with Gradelings
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