Planning – Freshman

In the first year of upper school, students want to take six (6) academic classes. Having studied a foreign language for two years of middle school, each student is positioned for a second level course in French, Spanish or Latin, with the goal of completing five years of language study before graduating. In math most girls are taking either regular or honors geometry. The other course that may vary is in the Fine Arts. Two full years of Fine Arts are required for graduation, but students can choose courses in visual, music, or dramatic arts. The rest of the curriculum for this grade is uniform for the class, since all take English 9, World Studies 9, and Biology. The grades you earn in these classes will be important to your meeting the prerequisites for future class selections. During October, all freshmen students will take the PSAT test for the first time. This is strictly a practice session, and will provide a baseline score.

In addition to taking a strong course of study, ninth grade students should also begin to build their co-curricular programs. Students have a plethora of options for clubs, musical organizations, and athletics. Care should be given to participating in something of interest that allows for participation over a period of the next four years. Colleges and universities want to see an applicant build depth over time in their co-curricular participation, not simply participate in many different things. Over time, it is hoped that a student's leadership potential will emerge, and participation in community service will grow beyond the experiences within the AGS Education for the Development of Leadership and Service (EDLS).