📘 Dougherty Academy – Ninth Grade Syllabus
Core Academics
- English Language Arts:
Classic and modern literature, literary analysis, essay writing, grammar review, creative writing, and research composition. - Mathematics:
Algebra I or Geometry (depending on placement), linear equations, graphing, trigonometric foundations, and real-world applications. - Science:
Biology — cells, genetics, ecology, and human anatomy through lab and inquiry-based projects. - Social Studies:
World History — ancient to modern civilizations, geography, and cultural studies.
Language & Character Development
- Spanish I / II:
Conversational fluency, grammar mastery, writing, and cultural projects. - ASL (American Sign Language):
Advanced vocabulary, receptive and expressive signing, and interpretation practice. - Religion:
Theology, Church history, and moral reasoning rooted in faith and virtue. - Character Education:
Leadership, responsibility, humility, and service-based learning.
Arts & Music
- Art:
Drawing, watercolor, digital design, and introduction to art critique. - Music:
Ensemble participation, ear training, and live performance. - Ballet:
Advanced technique, choreography development, and artistic expression. - Music Theory:
Scales, harmony, chord progressions, and intermediate composition. - Piano / Violin / Viola:
Performance proficiency, ensemble blending, and independent practice routines.
Physical & Practical Life Skills
- Physical Education:
Strength training, flexibility, fitness planning, and teamwork. - Golf:
Skill refinement, course etiquette, and competition readiness. - Gardening / Homesteading:
Sustainable ecosystems, biology in practice, and stewardship through gardening. - Cooking:
Culinary techniques, nutrition, baking, and meal presentation. - Technology:
Word processing, multimedia presentation, web literacy, and digital responsibility.
Below is a printable
🗓 Dougherty Academy – Ninth Grade 36-Week School Plan
Quarter 1 (Weeks 1–9): Strong Foundations
- English Language Arts: Literary analysis, grammar review, short story writing, and introduction to essay structure.
- Math: Algebra I review or Geometry fundamentals, equations, graphing, and word problems.
- Science: Biology — cells, genetics, and lab methods.
- Social Studies: Ancient and classical civilizations; geography and culture.
- Art: Drawing and shading techniques, sketchbook development.
- Music & Ballet: Technique, rhythm, and movement alignment.
- Music Theory / Piano / Violin / Viola: Scale mastery and practice consistency.
- Spanish & ASL: Greetings, sentence formation, and conversational fluency.
- Religion & Character Ed: Leadership, personal goals, and moral reflection.
- P.E. & Golf: Endurance, coordination, and form practice.
- Gardening / Homesteading: Compost setup and plant cycle study.
- Cooking: Nutrition basics, safety, and simple recipes.
- Technology: Word processing, research skills, and online safety.
Quarter 2 (Weeks 10–18): Growth & Expression
- English Language Arts: Essay writing, poetry analysis, and creative writing.
- Math: Geometry — angles, proofs, and formulas.
- Science: Ecology, energy transfer, and classification systems.
- Social Studies: Medieval civilizations, trade, and global influence.
- Art: Painting and design theory.
- Music & Ballet: Performance preparation and expressive movement.
- Music Theory: Interval and chord study.
- Spanish & ASL: Descriptive sentences and conversation practice.
- Religion: Old Testament lessons and virtue applications.
- Character Ed: Self-discipline and teamwork.
- P.E. & Golf: Strength, flexibility, and technique improvement.
- Gardening / Homesteading: Soil care and seasonal planting.
- Cooking: Baking and meal preparation.
- Technology: Presentation software and typing fluency.
Quarter 3 (Weeks 19–27): Critical Thinking & Connection
- English Language Arts: Novel studies, argument essays, and public speaking.
- Math: Algebra II introduction, data interpretation, and geometry review.
- Science: Human anatomy and environmental systems.
- Social Studies: Renaissance, exploration, and early modern era.
- Art: Perspective drawing and mixed media.
- Music & Ballet: Choreography, expression, and ensemble refinement.
- Music Theory / Piano / Violin / Viola: Harmony, sight reading, and performance rehearsal.
- Spanish & ASL: Dialogues, storytelling, and intermediate communication.
- Religion & Character Ed: Service projects and moral leadership.
- P.E. & Golf: Skill assessment and team exercises.
- Gardening / Homesteading: Plant journaling and sustainability reflection.
- Cooking: Cultural meals and presentation skills.
- Technology: Digital creativity and responsible media use.
Quarter 4 (Weeks 28–36): Mastery & Leadership
- English Language Arts: Research papers, reflective writing, and oral presentations.
- Math: Algebra and geometry integration in real-world projects.
- Science: STEM final project — biology and chemistry in daily life.
- Social Studies: World civilizations and civics.
- Art & Music: Year-end portfolio and recital preparation.
- Ballet & Music Theory: Choreography creation and harmony analysis.
- Piano / Violin / Viola: Recital performance and advanced technique.
- Spanish & ASL: Final conversational fluency and storytelling.
- Religion & Character Ed: Personal faith essay and reflection.
- P.E. & Golf: Final tournament and leadership in athletics.
- Gardening / Homesteading: Harvest and sustainability showcase.
- Cooking: Final culinary presentation.
- Technology: Digital portfolio and self-presentation project.
End-of-Year Reflection
By Week 36, ninth graders embody the mission of Dougherty Academy — academic excellence, faith-centered living, and leadership in action. This year sets the tone for success throughout high school and beyond.
Below is a printable
🗂️ Dougherty Academy Ninth Grade Portfolio
A Beginning of Higher Learning, Integrity, and Purpose
The Ninth Grade Portfolio captures a student’s transformation into a high school scholar — independent, thoughtful, and guided by faith. It showcases academic achievement, artistic mastery, and the moral development central to Dougherty Academy’s mission.
📚 Academic Mastery
Students demonstrate analytical depth and academic independence. Include:
- English Language Arts: Literary essays, poetry, creative writing, and research papers.
- Math: Algebra I or Geometry projects, problem-solving examples, and real-world applications.
- Science: Biology labs, ecology projects, and scientific reports.
- Social Studies: World history timelines, cultural essays, and research presentations.
🎨 The Arts & Expression
Art and performance demonstrate discipline, creativity, and personal vision. Add:
- Art: Sketches, paintings, or digital artwork with artist reflections.
- Music Theory: Compositions, rhythm studies, or musical analysis sheets.
- Piano / Violin / Viola: Practice logs, recital notes, or performance photos.
- Ballet: Choreography outlines, technique reflections, and stage photos.
🌿 Practical & Life Skills
Students begin applying classroom learning to real-world experiences. Include:
- Gardening / Homesteading: Sustainability projects, plant care logs, or photos.
- Cooking: Recipe documentation, meal creation, and nutritional reflections.
- Technology: Research projects, digital presentations, and multimedia samples.
- Religion & Character Education: Faith essays, personal reflection journals, and service records.
💬 Languages & Communication
Developing bilingual and expressive communication skills:
- Spanish: Conversations, grammar worksheets, and cultural reports.
- ASL: Storytelling practice, dialogue sheets, or expressive signing records.
🏅 Physical & Character Growth
- P.E. & Golf: Fitness goals, performance tracking, and personal improvement reflections.
- Character Education: Journals on leadership, teamwork, and moral challenges.
💖 End-of-Year Reflection
Conclude with:
- “My First Year of High School” reflection essay.
- “Faith, Leadership, and Learning” personal statement.
- Certificates, photos, and performance programs.
🌟 A Year of Foundations and Forward Vision
This Ninth Grade Portfolio honors the first step in high school — a year of intellectual growth, personal accountability, and strengthened faith. It documents the balance of heart, mind, and spirit that defines every Dougherty Academy scholar.
📄 Download the printable Ninth Grade Portfolio Checklist below:
Dougherty Academy 