9th Grade Homeschool Curriculum
As your homeschooled student approaches high school, it’s important that they are set up for success in their higher education years. That is why Apologia has some fantastic course offerings to prepare your students for college, career, and beyond.
9th graders following Apologia’s suggested curriculum path will go through Exploring Creation with Biology and Exploring Creation with Health and Nutrition. But we also offer courses in several other core subjects for this grade level through Apologia Live Classes, including math, history, geography, English, foreign language, and Apologetics.
Apologia Live Classes offers dynamic, interactive lessons led by qualified instructors, eliminating the need for parent grading or instruction. With Apologia, your student’s 9th-grade curriculum can also include Algebra 1, World History, World Geography & Global Affairs, British Literature: A Journey to Narnia, Spanish 2, and Competing Worldviews: Examining Six Opposing Belief Systems. With this combination of courses, your students will learn about the scientific study of living things, how to be the best steward the bodies God has given them, solve algebraic equations, view world history from a Biblical viewpoint, study world geography and get an introduction to global affairs, they will read and analyze a classic Christian novel, dive deeper into learning the Spanish language, and examine six opposing belief systems.
Homeschool State Requirements
Search for the required courses by state using the HSLDA website.
9th Grade Curriculum: Science
And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good….And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. – Genesis 1:11-12, 24-25
Exploring Creation with Biology is a core subject in most states and is typically listed as a standard course requirement. For Apologia, Biology is a prerequisite for the more advanced biology courses, such as Exploring Creation with Marine Biology and Exploring Creation with Advanced Biology: The Human Body.
Our Biology course is offered in a variety of ways:
- Textbook/Student Notebook – This option involves a physical copy of the Biology Textbook and Student Notebook. It’s a great option for reading/writing learners.
- Self-Paced Course – This digital option is great for students who prefer to work on the computer and may be visual or auditory learners. It includes a digital copy of the textbook, audiobook, video lessons, AutoGrade+, and a physical copy of the Student Notebook. Students have one full year’s access to the course from the time it is activated.
- Apologia Live Class – This option is ideal for social learners, as your student will participate in a live online class environment alongside other students worldwide and a qualified instructor. Students will need to have access to the curriculum to work independently, but will meet once a week for a lecture to cover the material and ask questions. They will also submit assignments for grading and feedback from their instructor.
📖 Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Biology, 3rd Edition, is designed to be your student’s first high school science course. It is also a college-prep biology course that provides a detailed introduction to the methods and concepts of general biology.
9th Grade Curriculum: Health
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. –1 Corinthians 6:19-20
As your student becomes more independent, it’s essential that they not only develop healthy eating and exercising practices but also understand how their body works, so they can be good stewards of their bodies.
This course is offered in two ways:
💻Apologia’s Live Class: In Exploring Creation with Health and Nutrition, 2nd Ed., students will participate in a whole health course covering important aspects of physical, social, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. The course is designed to help students understand that their health is ultimately about stewardship and teaches them to make the best choices possible.
9th Grade Curriculum: Mathematics
Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men. –Proverbs 22:29
Algebra 1 is a core subject in most states and is typically listed as a standard course requirement. At Apologia, Algebra 1 is a prerequisite for progressing to more advanced mathematics courses, such as Geometry and Algebra II.
If you’re uncomfortable teaching math to your students, Apologia Live Classes is a great option for your family. Your student can take this course under the instruction of our qualified instructor, who will explain the course material, manually grade tests, and provide feedback.
💻 In Apologia’s Live Class Algebra 1, students will learn practical problem-solving methods and skills. This course also provides students with a biblical reason for studying math.
9th Grade Curriculum: History
Things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. –Psalm 78:3-4
History is an essential subject to study, not just to learn from it, but also to see how God’s hand has been at work throughout time. World History is another standard course requirement for most high school students.
📖 Embark on an exciting journey through Apologia’s Live Class: World History: A Journey Through HIS-Story, exploring history from Creation to modern-day events through a Christian perspective. This course provides a comprehensive look at the development of civilizations, the rise and fall of empires, and the pivotal events that have shaped the world. We will begin by examining how history is studied and recorded, including the methods of archaeology, dating techniques, and the significance of the written record. Along the way, we’ll uncover the hand of God in the unfolding of history, gaining a deeper understanding of His purpose and plan through the ages. This is more than a study of the past—it’s an opportunity to see how history informs our faith and shapes our future.
9th Grade Curriculum: World Geography & Global Affairs
“Likewise, when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a far country for your name’s sake (for they shall hear of your great name and your mighty hand, and of your outstretched arm), when he comes and prays toward this house, hear in heaven your dwelling place and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to you, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and that they may know that this house that I have built is called by your name. –1 Kings 8:41-41
It’s important to learn about the world around us, and that’s where World Geography and Global Affairs comes in. Ensure that your students have a well-rounded view of the world beyond their neighborhood and how the United States interacts with the rest of the world around us by having them take this course.
📖 Apologia’s Live Class: World Geography and Global Affairs combines the study of world geography with the exploration of international relations, diplomacy, and global affairs through a biblical worldview. Beginning with a foundational understanding of geography, students will learn how physical, cultural, and political landscapes shape global dynamics. The course will then delve into the principles of diplomacy and the complexities of international relations, providing insights into global challenges, conflict resolution, and the United States’ role in the world.
9th Grade Curriculum: English & Literature
“But, first, remember, remember, remember the signs. Say them to yourself when you wake in the morning and when you lie down at night, and when you wake in the middle of the night. And whatever strange things may happen to you, let nothing turn your mind from following the signs. And secondly, I give you a warning. Here on the mountain I have spoken to you clearly: I will not often do so down in Narnia. Here on the mountain, the air is clear and your mind is clear; as you drop down into Narnia, the air will thicken. Take great care that it does not confuse your mind. And the signs which you have learned here will not look at all as you expect them to look, when you meet them there. That is why it is so important to know them by heart and pay no attention to appearances. Remember the signs and believe the signs. Nothing else matters.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia
C.S. Lewis is a staple author in many Christian homes. There is so much depth to his work, so why not make The Chronicles of Narnia a required reading in your homeschool?
💻Apologia’s Live Class: British Literature: A Journey to Narnia takes students through a deeper study of The Chronicles of Narnia. Students will engage in discussions using the Socratic Method, learn literary terms, practice paraphrasing, and write creative short stories. For the final project, students will review an expository essay about The Chronicles of Narnia and write an essay based on their own conclusions.
9th Grade Curriculum: Foreign Language
There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning. –1 Corinthians 14:10
For those who have already taken Spanish 1, 9th grade is a great year to take Spanish 2. Studying a foreign language is often a requirement in higher education. It’s a skill that provides an understanding of the foundations of words. But beyond the benefits of SAT prep, this skill opens up a new world for your student to connect and share the Gospel with those around the world.
💻Apologia’s Live Class: Spanish 2 class teaches students to communicate comfortably at an intermediate level with Spanish-speaking people in various settings.
9th Grade Curriculum: Apologetics
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. –Romans 12:2
One of the benefits of homeschooling is having the freedom to add a worldview, apologetics, or Bible course to your student’s course schedule every year. For 9th grade, we recommend our Apologia Live Class, Competing Worldviews: Examining Six Opposing Belief Systems. This course will examine the beliefs of the six major worldviews prevalent in the world today: Christianity, Islam, Secularism, Marxism, New Spirituality, and Postmodernism.
💻In Apologia’s Live Class: Competing Worldviews: Examining Six Opposing Belief Systems, students will study how those with various worldviews answer life’s ultimate questions.
Homeschool Helps
Apologia.com has some excellent resources to accompany you in your homeschooling journey. We hope you will take advantage of this information and that it will bless you and your family.
Curriculum Path
Determining the order in which your child completes their studies is one of the significant benefits of homeschooling. To help ensure your child stays on track, we’ve provided a recommended course sequence for your review.
Books for further reading
- How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. for Your Kids by Rachael Carman
- How Many Times Do I Have to Tell You? by Rachael Carman
Co-Op Kickstart Guide
There are many creative ways to teach an Apologia course in a co-op setting. You’ll have the flexibility to adjust the course to fit your teaching style. We strive to provide co-op leaders throughout the U.S. with the resources they need to teach Apologia material effectively. Download our Homeschool Co-Op Kickstart Guide for helpful information on getting started.
Homeschool Bootcamp
Take the first step on your homeschool journey! Learn how to succeed at homeschooling with Apologia’s FREE Homeschool Bootcamp. In these recorded video sessions, you’ll learn practical how-tos, planning strategies, organizational tips, and more from homeschool veterans.
Let’s Talk Homeschool Podcast
Join Davis Carman and Rachael Carman as they discuss the highs, lows, challenges, and victories of the homeschool journey. By God’s grace, this adventure of a lifetime—home education—has been very good for their family. They believe that if there was ever a time to homeschool, it is now!
Free Homeschool eBook Resources
Apologia is a company of homeschooling parents and advocates. Several members of our team have graduated their children from homeschooling! Our team has prepared several free supplemental resources to support you and your family in your homeschooling journey.
