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Following is a list of descriptions for courses typically offered to Gwinnett 9th graders. Whether or not a particular course is offered at a given school depends on faculty expertise, student demand, master schedule, etc. Students at Academy schools may have additional options depending on their career pathway. Gifted and Honors sections are designated in selected subjects by local schools.

Most semester courses carry one-half (.5) unit of credit. A course running two semesters carries one (1.0) unit of credit (1 unit = 1 year-long course). Any prerequisite or required tests are listed with the course. If there are no prerequisites or required tests, this space is left blank in the course description.

Gifted and Honors sections are designated by local schools. Honors courses are designed for students who have mastered prerequisite skills and knowledge that would allow for more in-depth instruction of the AKS for that course.

Gifted education courses are taught by gifted education-certified instructors for students who have been identified for placement in the gifted education program through state-mandated eligibility requirements.

English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses are taught by teachers with certification for instruction of students identified for ESOL services, based on state-mandated eligibility requirements. The content AKS are taught to specifically address the needs of ESOL-eligible students. See below for more information about ESOL courses available to English Learners. GCPS provides Special Education programs and services for students who meet eligibility criteria established by the Georgia Department of Education. See below for more information about Special Education.

Students may pursue an Academic Pathway in one of three areas: Advanced Academics (Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies), World Language, or Fine Arts. A Pathway includes three or more credits in one of the areas— either general within the area or with a specialized focus— and shows a progression and growth of knowledge and skills in the area. See page 8 for details on Academic Pathways.

LANGUAGE ARTS

9th Grade Literature and Composition - Required - 2 Semesters - Gr. 9

This course focuses on a study of literary genres and informational texts; the students develop an initial understanding of both the structure and the meaning of a literary work. The students explore the effect of the literary form in regards to interpretation. The students will read across the curriculum to develop academic and personal interests in different subjects. The students will also demonstrate competency in a variety of writing genres: argumentative, informational/expository, and narrative. The students will engage in research, timed writings, and the writing process. Instruction in language conventions will occur within the context of reading, writing, and speaking, rather than in isolation. The students demonstrate an understanding of speaking and listening for a variety of purposes. 

MATHEMATICS 

Students will take one of the required 9th grade mathematics courses based on their achievement in their 8th grade math course.

Algebra: Concepts & Connections Required - 2 Semesters - Gr. 9 Requires state EOC assessment.

This is the first in a sequence of required high school mathematics courses.  It includes modeling linear functions; analyzing systems of  linear inequalities; investigating rational and irrational numbers; modeling and analyzing quadratic and exponential expressions, equations, and functions; investigating univariate and bivariate data; and algebraic connections to geometric concepts.

Geometry: Concepts & Connections Required - 2 Semesters - Gr. 9   Prerequisite Algebra: Concept & Connections

This is the second in a sequence of required high school mathematics courses.  It includes operations with polynomial expressions using geometric shapes; geometric constructions and proofs; congruence; similarity; right triangle trigonometry; properties of circles;  unit circle; applications of volume; and applications of compound probability.

Accelerated Geometry - Required - 2 Semesters - Gr. 9   Prerequisite Enhanced 8th Grade Math and Algebra: Concepts & Connections

This is the second in a sequence of required high school mathematics courses.  This course incorporates all content in Geometry: Concepts & Connections (satisfying graduation requirements) along with select AKS from Enhanced Advanced Algebra + Precalculus: Concepts & Connections.   It includes operations with polynomial expressions using geometric shapes; geometric constructions and proofs; congruence; similarity; right triangle trigonometry; applications of trigonometry to general triangles; properties of circles; unit circle; applications of the six trigonometric ratios; applications of volume; compound probability; and descriptive and inferential statistics.

Algebra: Concepts & Connections Strategies Elective - 2 Semesters - Gr. 9 

The purpose of this elective is to provide students with additional support in Algebra: Concepts & Connections.  This course is taken simultaneously with Algebra: Concepts & Connections, giving extra time and using a variety of strategies to help students build a stronger foundation for success in their current and future mathematics courses.

SCIENCE  

Biology - Required - 2 Semesters - Gr. 9

Requires state EOC assessment.

Concepts for this course include the interdependence of organisms; the relationship of matter, energy, and organization in living systems; the classification of organisms; and biological evolution. Students will investigate biological concepts through experience in laboratories and field work using science and engineering practices.

SOCIAL STUDIES  

World Geography - 2 Semesters - Gr. 9

This two-semester course provides the content knowledge and skills necessary to understand the roles, responsibilities, and relationships of people and places throughout the world, both past and present. The course will prepare students for the three-year required social studies sequence. Topics will include the themes of historical geography, political geography, and economic geography. Students are instructed on efficient and effective methods and strategies to read, write, think, organize, and demonstrate what they have learned throughout the course.

AP Human Geography - 2 Semesters - Gr. 9

The Advanced Placement program in Human Geography is a college-level course designed to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of the Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to interpret human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. The objectives for this course follow the College Board syllabus, preparing students for the optional Advanced Placement exam to earn college credit.

Rising 9th graders have the option of taking Health, Personal Fitness, or both during the summer via face-to-face or virtual summer school or through Gwinnett Online Campus. Ask your school counselor for more information.

HEALTH 

Health - Required - 1 Semester - Gr. 9–12

Health is a high school graduation requirement and often completed during a student's freshman year. This course will introduce functional health knowledge through a skills­ based approach. Students will learn how to establish, manage, and maintain healthy and safe behaviors, analyze internal and external influences on health behaviors, accessing valid and reliable health information, products, and services, interpersonal communication, decision-making, goal-setting, and advocacy skills to enhance the health of oneself and others. Students will develop the knowledge and skills to impact healthy behavior outcomes (HBOs) and promote wellness throughout their life.

This course includes the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP}. Students will receive a certificate of completion that will be required to apply for a Georgia Class D driver's license. The ADAP certificate is not required when you apply for a /earner's permit. See page 3 to learn more.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 

Personal Fitness - Required - 1 Semester - Gr. 9–12

Personal Fitness is a high school graduation requirement and a prerequisite to all elective physical education courses. This course will introduce students to fitness principles, health and skill-related fitness components, nutrition, stress management, self-awareness, and accessing valid and reliable products and services. Students will learn about healthy components of fitness, how to develop a personal fitness plan, and analyzing fitness assessments to set realistic and attainable goals. There is not a waiver for Personal Fitness as a graduation requirement to receive a general education diploma.

All students enrolled in a Physical Education course are assessed using FitnessGram, a state-mandated fitness assessment program. Parent reports ore sent home annually

A student may receive credit for the required unit of Health/PE by completing three units of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program. Contact your school counselor for additional information.

MODERN/CLASSICAL LANGUAGES 

Students may pursue a World Language Pathway in any one of six areas: Chinese, French, German, Latin, Spanish, and Spanish for Native Speakers. A World Language Pathway includes three or more credits in one world language, and shows a progression and growth of knowledge and skills in the area. Ask your counselor about related coursework.

Modern Languages

Chinese I - 2 Semesters - Gr. 8–12

Through realistic use of the language, the student will learn to communicate in oral and written form on a variety of everyday topics and will gain cultural knowledge of Chinese-speaking countries.

French I - 2 Semesters - Gr. 8–12

Through realistic use of the language, the student will learn to communicate in oral and written form on a variety of everyday topics and will gain cultural knowledge of French-speaking countries.

French II - 2 Semesters - Gr. 9–12 Prerequisite - French I or Teacher Recommendation.

Building on the background of French I, the student will learn to interact in more complex situations, read more complicated materials, and write more extended messages. Cultural understanding increases through reading and discussion of authentic documents.

German I - 2 Semesters - Gr. 8–12

Through realistic use of the language, the student will learn to communicate in oral and written form on a variety of everyday topics and will gain cultural knowledge of German-speaking countries.

German II - 2 Semesters - Gr. 9–12 Prerequisite - German I or Teacher Recommendation.

Building on the background of German I, the student will learn to interact in more complex situations, read more complicated materials, and write more extended messages. Cultural understanding increases through reading and discussion of authentic documents.

Spanish I - 2 Semesters - Gr. 8–12

Through realistic use of the language, the student will learn to communicate in oral and written form on a variety of everyday topics and will gain cultural knowledge of Spanish-speaking countries.

Spanish II - 2 Semester - Gr. 9–12

Prerequisite - Spanish I or Teacher Recommendation. Building on the background of Spanish I, students will learn to interact in more complex situations, read more complicated materials, and write more extended messages. Cultural understanding increases through reading and discussion of authentic documents.

Spanish for Native Speakers (SNS) I - 2 Semesters - Gr. 9–12 Prerequisite - Teacher Recommendation This course is intended for heritage speakers of Spanish. A heritage Spanish speaker is a student who grew up mostly or entirely in the United States speaking some Spanish at home, but who has never studied Spanish formally. In this course, student will improve their spoken Spanish and learn basic reading and writing skills. Students also gain a deeper understanding of their own heritage culture and cultures of other Spanish-speaking countries.

Spanish for Native Speakers (SNS) II - 2 Semesters - Gr. 9–12 Prerequisite - Teacher Recommendation

This course is intended for two types of students: heritage Spanish-speaking students who have completed SNS I or students who are strong native speakers. In this course, students will improve their speaking. listening, reading, and writing skills in Spanish with focus on reading authentic texts. Students also will gain a deeper understanding of cultures of Spanish-speaking countries.

Classical Language

Latin I - 2 Semesters - Gr. 8–12

The student will develop the ability to read and write Latin through the study of vocabulary and grammar, and be introduced to Ancient Roman culture. The influence of Latin upon English will be emphasized.

Latin II - 2 Semesters - Gr. 9–12 Prerequisite - Latin I or Teacher Recommendation.

Students continue to develop language skills and to acquire an understanding of Latin and Ancient Roman culture begun in Latin I.

FINE ARTS  

Students may pursue a Fine Arts Pathway in any one of five areas: Dance, Theatre Arts, Music, Visual Arts, and Journalism. A Fine Arts Pathway includes three or more full credits in one of the five designated areas—either general within the area or with a specialized focus— and shows a progression and growth of knowledge and skills in the area. Students who complete a pathway in the Fine Arts in conjunction with other requirements may be eligible to earn a Fine Arts diploma seal issued by the state of Georgia. Ask your counselor about related coursework.

Instrumental Music – Band

The course content includes beginning instrumental skills and music reading. As courses progress, students continue to develop appropriate tone quality, intonation, balance, precision, phrasing, and technique. Students are expected to

consistently demonstrate sight-reading skills and respond appropriately to expression markings in the musical score.

Instrumental Music – Orchestra

Students develop skills in fundamental strings instrument techniques. Music theory skills include notation of pitch and rhythm, scales, and intervals. A variety of literature for the string ensemble is studied and performed. Students refine music-reading skills as well as performance skills, including more advanced bow techniques. Students acquire knowledge in music theory and history as they relate to orchestral literature.

Instrumental Music – Ensembles

These courses offer smaller ensemble experience for instrumentalists. Emphasis is placed on the performance style and literature of the instrumental chamber group medium. Ensembles may include brass, woodwind, percussion, and strings. Performance and production, analysis and theoretical studies, creative aspects of music, historical and cultural influences, and music appreciation are covered in ensemble courses.

Choral Music

Choral music courses emphasize the development of vocal techniques and performance skills using a variety of choral literature. Students develop music-reading skills. Courses further develop students’ skills in vocal performance. Additional vocal technique development is emphasized, including breath control, diction, and vocal production.

Theatre Arts

Students study theatre history, acting, and the technical skills involved in production, and learn to analyze and evaluate live theatre and explore the relationship between theatre and other art forms. Workshop courses give students an opportunity to research aspects of technical theatre, such as set design, costumes, and stage management. Students work collaboratively on the technical capacity of a theatrical production.

Musical theatre workshop students perform a monologue, write songs, learn basic stage movements, and practice dance techniques. Students perform sections from musicals.

Dance

Students acquire dance knowledge and skills, study the role of dance in various cultures, and observe and critique dance performances, using specified criteria and appropriate dance terminology. Students develop coordination, flexibility, strength, and technical skills. They can extend their knowledge and skill in various dance forms, public performance techniques, and choreographic concepts. Students study prominent historical figures in dance and classical dance works. They practice dance analysis and movement sciences as related to injury prevention and technical training.

Visual Arts

Visual Arts Comp I/Two-Dimensional art courses explore concepts of image and make use of techniques in drawing, printmaking, lettering, painting, and collage. Visual Arts Comp II/Three-Dimensional art courses explore concepts and techniques of construction, assemblage, and media manipulations. Historical and contemporary developments in art are explored. With teacher permission, a student may enroll in an advanced pathway course in this Fine Arts concentration. Advanced pathway courses vary between schools but often include photography, printmaking, sculpture, drawing and painting, and AP Art.

Music Technology

Students learn computer basics, MIDI applications sequencing, and sound recording. Students explore MIDI sequencing software and notation software. Students create original multi-track sequences, original musical compositions, and background music for a specific setting, such as movies, television, or computer games.

Music – Guitar and Piano

Students acquire basic music-reading skills and playing techniques. In intermediate classes, students increase sight-reading and performance skills in fundamental piano or guitar techniques.

Music – History/Theory

Courses cover the evolution of musical style through major stylistic periods. Listening skills and analysis of style characteristics are emphasized. Students learn the fundamentals of music theory. Emphasis is placed on developing the students’ sight-singing, music dictation, and analysis skills. AP Music Theory is offered at many schools.

Journalism

Students work with others to produce a newspaper, literary magazine, or yearbook, learning the fundamentals of journalism and production (specific to the publication type). These may include interviewing, layout, design, and proofreading, as well as the business, financial, and legal aspects of publication.

CAREER, TECHNICAL AND AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION 

The Georgia Department of Education has developed Career Pathways that will allow students to concentrate their studies in an area of career and technical education to prepare for a seamless transition from high school to postsecondary training in college or technical school. Some Pathways may lead to industry certification. For 2021–22, Gwinnett students may pursue one of more than 60 Pathways within the following Career Clusters. You’ll learn more about Pathways through your school. Pathways focus on careers that are high-skill, high-wage, and in demand.

Note: The list below includes Career Clusters available through most Gwinnett high schools. Not all Career Clusters are available at every high school. For specialized programs and Pathways available in the Grayson High School Technical Education Program and at Maxwell High School of Technology, go to and explore the Career Pathways available through those schools.

The Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Career Cluster includes careers in production, processing, marketing, financing, distribution, and development of agricultural commodities and resources. These commodities include food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and other plant and animal products/resources.

The Architecture and Construction Career Cluster includes careers in designing, planning, managing, and building structures.

The Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications Career Cluster includes careers in designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content. Technical skill areas include visual and performing arts, graphic design, journalism, and entertainment services.

The Business Management and Administration Career Cluster prepares students with computer skills for future college and career plans. Cluster skills include planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating, as well as owning and operating, a successful business.

The Education and Training Career Cluster prepares students to be teachers in a Pre-K to grade 12 setting.

The Energy Career Cluster prepares individuals for careers in designing, planning, maintaining, generating, transmitting, and distributing traditional and alternative energy.

The Finance Career Cluster focuses on money management, including planning, investing, and spending. Students will gain career development skills for the finance world with opportunities that go beyond basic business skills into financial literacy, banking, investing, insurance, and risk management.

The Government and Public Administration Career Cluster includes the planning and performing of government management and administrative functions at local, state, and federal levels in preparation for careers in national security, foreign service, revenue, and regulation.

The Health Science Career Cluster includes planning, managing, and providing services in therapeutics, diagnostics, health informatics, support areas, and biotechnology research and development.

The Hospitality and Tourism Career Cluster encompasses the management, marketing, and operations of the restaurant and other food services, lodging, attractions, recreation events, and travel-related services.

The Human Services Career Cluster prepares individuals for employment activities related to family and human needs, such as nutrition and food science, counseling and mental health services, family and community services, personal care, and consumer services.

The Information Technology Career Cluster engages students in applied learning to prepare for careers in information technology and computer science. IT careers are found in all industries and include career opportunities in software development, networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, game design, web development, and more. 

The Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security Career Cluster prepares individuals for employment relating to emergency and fire services, legal services, protective services, and homeland security.

The Manufacturing Career Cluster includes the processing of materials into intermediate or final products and related professional and technical support activities, such as production control, maintenance, and process engineering.

The Marketing Career Cluster includes a focus on marketing strategy, advertising and promotional techniques, business communication, and business development.

The Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics Career Cluster prepares students to be teachers in a Pre-K to grade 12 setting. Students learn through the hands-on application of the design process. 

The Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Career Cluster encompasses planning, managing, and moving people, materials, and goods by road, pipeline, air, rail, and water, as well as other related professional and technical support services.

MULTILINGUAL LEARNER PROGRAM

High school English Learners (EL) participate in English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses to develop their proficiency in listening, reading, speaking, and writing in English to support success in core academic subjects. Appropriate course placement depends on the student’s level of English proficiency measured by the ACCESS 2.0 test or, for new students, the WIDA Screener. ELs at ACCESS Levels 1 and 2 are provided intensive language development to prepare them for core coursework. Intermediate ELs at ACCESS Levels 3 and 4 participate in sheltered or cluster core courses with language development courses, as needed, for development of academic language. Advanced ELs approaching Level 5 take core courses with an advanced language development course as needed. EL students are strongly encouraged to plan to attend EL High School Summer School each year to help them graduate on schedule. See your ESOL teacher for more information.

Recommended placement for a multilingual learner at ACCESS Levels 1 and 2, Entering through Emerging

• ESOL 1 Language
• ESOL 1 Literature
• Language Development in the Content Areas 1

As needed:

• Academic Language of Mathematics
• Academic Language of Science
• Academic Language of Social Studies
• Communication Skills 1
• Communication Skills in Mathematics

Recommended placement for a multilingual learner at ACCESS Level 2, Emerging

• Language Development in the Content Areas 2

As needed:

• Academic Language of Mathematics
• Academic Language of Science
• Academic Language of Social Studies

Recommended placement for a multilingual learner at ACCESS Level 3, Developing

• English ESOL 2 (core Language Arts credit)
• Language Development in the Content Areas 3
• Sheltered core classes or placement with ESOL- certified content teachers

Other courses as needed.

Recommended placement for a multilingual learner at ACCESS Level 4, Expanding

• English ESOL 3 or Sheltered Sophomore Language Arts* (core Language Arts credit)
• Sheltered core classes or placement with ESOL-certified content teachers

Additional core content courses may be offered in a sheltered format. Ask your school counselor for more information.

*Due to the rigor of the required state End of Course assessments, it is recommended that EL students attempt the required 9th Grade Literature and Composition and 11th Grade American Literature and Composition courses as their third and fourth core Language Arts credits.

 Rising 9th graders have the option of taking the required Health course as a sheltered course, or through the EL High School Summer School, which is offered at one location annually. Ask your counselor for more information.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

The Special Education Program in Gwinnett County Public Schools offers a broad continuum of services to support students with special needs. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) team will determine the least restrictive setting for each student.

AKS academic courses in a general education setting

Students may participate in the grade-level AKS curriculum courses in a general education classroom taught by a general education teacher. Students participating in these courses will work toward completing the course requirements for a regular education diploma.

AKS academic courses in a collaborative or co-taught general education setting

Students may participate in the grade-level AKS curriculum courses in a general education classroom co-taught by a general teacher and a special education teacher. Students participating in these courses will work toward completing the course requirements for a regular education diploma.

AKS academic courses in a special education setting

Students may participate in the grade-level AKS curriculum courses in a special education classroom taught by a special education teacher. Students participating in these courses will work toward completing the course requirements for a regular education diploma.

Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and elective courses are designed for students who have significant cognitive disabilities.

The curriculum is aligned with the Georgia Standards of Excellence and includes functional and developmental components. Successful completion of these courses will satisfy requirements towards a regular education diploma for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Students participating in these courses will work toward completing the course requirements for a state-defined alternate diploma.