Experience Our Academic Program

Ninth Grade Year

Destination Bold Outcomes

The ninth grade year at Country School is its own gift. In traditional PreK-12 and 9-12 school settings, ninth grade is an introductory experience that places students on steep social and academic learning curves. It’s a hard reset from middle school, often in an unfamiliar setting, and as a result it’s a tricky balancing act on all levels. In contrast, having ninth grade be a culminating experience mitigates so many of these social and emotional challenges, in turn allowing students to focus on their high school level academics and direct their energies towards personal and character growth that will help to shape and, more importantly, enhance their experience on all fronts when they do make the transition to high school.

Our "Seniors"

Our ninth graders are, after all, our “seniors” — and when they take their next steps and head off to high school, they have under their proverbial belts a host of experiences that many of their same-age peers do not. Country School ninth graders sit on and chair committees; they captain Varsity sports teams; and they assemble yearbooks, school newspapers, and other publications. And in all that our ninth graders do, they lead and they mentor. They are seen as role models by the school’s younger students, and entrusted with responsibilities by faculty and administrators that — in more traditional settings — are reserved for older students.
 
The ninth grade year at Country School represents the best of both worlds. Academically, it is a student’s first year of high school – from the rigor of the content taught right down to the student’s performance in the course becoming part of their high school transcript. Yet, experientially it’s a student’s final year in an environment that they’ve had the benefit of knowing, often for multiple years. The experiences students are afforded fall in line with those that many don’t get until they’re fully entrenched in high school (and often not until their senior year, at that).

Leadership Opportunities
  • US Student Government Leadership and President
  • Yearbook/Literary Magazine
  • Lily Pad Publication
  • DEI Board Committee Student Representative
  • Athletics Team Captains
  • Admissions Ambassadors
  • Community Service

Grade 9 Highlights

List of 3 items.

  • This I Believe

    Every ninth grader delivers a “This I Believe” speech to the entire Upper School in which they reflect on their values and experiences, while also showcasing their writing and public speaking skills.

  • Outdoor Action Trip

    The ninth grade year begins with a multi-day outdoor experience that includes hiking and camping. With its focus on class bonding and leadership, the Outdoor Action Trip is a longstanding, celebrated, and essential component of the 9th grade experience at Country School.

  • Expanded Studies

    The Expanded Studies curriculum offers students an in-depth and experiential study of topics ranging from Ecology and Sustainability Studies, Civil Rights and Marine Biology. Each program culminates with immersive trips with students having traveled to places such as the Pacific Northwest, Yosemite, the Southeastern states, and the Florida Keys.

9th Grade Sample Schedule

List of 14 items.

  • 8:15 a.m.

    Advisory

  • 8:25 a.m.

    English

  • 9:20 a.m.

    Math

  • 10:15 a.m.

    Recess

  • 10:35 a.m.

    Community Time/Clubs/Study Hall/Life Skills

  • 10:55 a.m.

    World Language

  • 11:15 a.m.

    Arts

  • 12:00 p.m.

    Lunch & Recess

  • 12:40 p.m.

    Science

  • 1:40 p.m.

    History

  • 2:25 p.m.

    Advisory

  • 2:45 p.m.

    Sports

  • 4:00 p.m.

    Dismissal

  • 4–5:30 p.m.

    After School Programming Available
    Learn More

Our Grade 9 Curriculum

English

Ninth grade English at Country School challenges students with rich literature, advanced vocabulary, and formal grammar study. The curriculum includes classic texts such as The Catcher in the Rye, Romeo and Juliet, and A Tale of Two Cities, encouraging students to read closely and reflect on both emotional and intellectual responses.

Class discussions — often student-led — emphasize active listening, thoughtful speaking, and the ability to engage with different perspectives. Students write frequently, both in and out of class, as they explore a range of topics and consider the social and cultural themes found in literature.

Public speaking is also a focus. Students strengthen their presentation skills through a storytelling unit and a personal essay inspired by NPR’s This I Believe series, which they share with the Upper School community.

Global Studies

All ninth-grade students take Global Studies, a course that explores the historical, geographic, and cultural forces that have shaped today’s interconnected world. Building on the foundation of Grades 7 and 8 American History, the curriculum shifts focus from the United States to the broader global community, with an emphasis on world history and both physical and human geography.

Mathematics

The Upper School math program builds strong foundational skills through an integrated, problem-solving approach. Students engage in daily practice that emphasizes observation, conjecture, analysis, and communication — both written and verbal. They are encouraged to make connections, test ideas, and apply mathematical concepts to real-world situations. Technology supports exploration and understanding across all courses.

List of 4 items.

  • Algebra I

    Students explore linear, exponential, and quadratic functions using equations, graphs, tables, and verbal models. Topics include solving equations and inequalities, systems of equations, exponents, polynomials, factoring, radicals, and quadratics. Graphing and problem-solving are supported by calculators and computer tools.

  • Geometry

    This course covers traditional Euclidean geometry, including triangle congruence, similarity, transformations, and solid geometry. Students practice deductive reasoning through proofs and develop spatial thinking through constructions and digital tools like Geometer’s Sketchpad.

  • Honors Geometry

    A more advanced version of Geometry, this course emphasizes formal proofs and deeper analytical reasoning. Students explore a broad range of topics — including non-Euclidean geometry — through discovery-based learning, constructions, and software applications.

  • Algebra II with Trigonometry

    This course prepares students for Pre-Calculus through the study of linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Additional topics include complex numbers, systems of equations, matrices, conic sections, sequences and series, and trigonometric identities. Technology is used to model and solve real-world problems.

Biology

Ninth grade students take either Regular or Honors Biology, both of which offer a full-year exploration of life sciences.

  • Regular Biology covers key topics including evolution, macromolecules, cell energy, heredity, genetics, animal development, and human body systems.
  • Honors Biology takes a deeper dive into the molecular basis of life, with expanded focus on evolution, cellular processes, reproduction, human development, and organ systems. Primary sources, lab investigations, and online tools support and enrich the curriculum in both courses.

World Languages

Beginning in seventh grade, students choose to study Spanish, French, or Latin and continue with their selected language throughout Upper School.

List of 3 items.

  • Spanish 9

    In this culminating year, students strengthen their fluency, listening comprehension, and writing skills. Conducted entirely in Spanish, the course reinforces vocabulary and grammar introduced in earlier years while deepening reading and composition abilities.

  • Latin 9

    Third-year Latin students refine translation skills and prepare to read original Latin texts. The course emphasizes grammar, including all verb tenses, participles, noun cases, and introductory subjunctive forms. Cultural and historical context enriches students’ understanding of the language and its influence on English.

  • French 9

    This third-year course reviews foundational grammar and vocabulary while introducing more complex structures and cultural content. Students build proficiency in all four language modalities — speaking, listening, reading, and writing — with the goal of deeper fluency and cultural appreciation.

Creative Arts

In Grades 8 and 9, students take one arts elective each trimester, choosing from a wide range of visual and performing arts courses. Eighth graders must take at least one course in each discipline; ninth graders may choose freely based on interest.

  • Visual Arts & Electives
    Course offerings build on skills introduced in earlier grades and span areas such as studio art, music, drama, dance, woodshop, and maker lab. Examples include Ceramics, Printmaking, Digital Photography, Short Film, 3D Printing, Boat Building, Ukulele Boot Camp, Choral Ensemble, Improv Workshop, Dance Trends, and Rock Band.
  • Band, Chorus & Theater
    Students may also join a band or chorus ensemble and participate in a fully staged theatrical production each year, with opportunities to explore acting, singing, dancing, and technical stagecraft.

Upper School Art Electives

3D Animation
3D Printing
Architecture
Boat Building
Cartooning
Ceramics
Choral Ensemble
Collage
Digital Photography
Dramatic Arts
Drawing
Garage Band
Graphic Novels
Guitar & Ukulele
Jewelry 
Mixed Media
 Muraling
Painting
Printmaking
Scratch Programming
Short Film
Theatre Tech
Woodworking

Athletics

New Canaan Country School has long believed that athletics are an integral part of the educational experience of our students. The lifelong enjoyment of physical activity and a healthy attitude toward athletic competition are the primary goals of our physical education and sports program. This is achieved through an age- appropriate, creative and challenging curriculum from Kindergarten through ninth grade. Our students move on to their high school program feeling well prepared and appreciating the athletic foundation they gained at Country School.
Our extensive indoor and outdoor facilities — including two full gymnasiums, expansive gross-motor room, cardiovascular fitness room, outdoor hockey rink, out-door swimming pool, wooded trails, ropes course and plentiful fields — suit our program well. We also have a full-time school nurse and an athletic trainer on campus to tend to our athletes in event of injury.
In the Upper School, students are placed on ability-based teams through a tryout period each preseason. Every student has a chance to participate at a level that complements his or her skill level, so that each can experience success and growth as an athlete. Our teams compete in the Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA), and often against non-FAA opponents as well. Our Varsity teams are extremely competitive and successful, frequently competing against high school freshman and JV teams, as well as travel teams. Upon graduation from the Country School, our athletes move on to their next schools prepared and confident for the next level of competition.

Upper School Athletic Offerings

FALL

Cross-Country (Coed)
Field Hockey (Girls)
Independent Sports Option (Coed)
Soccer (Boys)
Soccer (Girls)
Flag Football (Coed)
Volleyball (Girls)

WINTER

Basketball (Boys)
Basketball (Girls)
Fitness (Coed)
Ice Hockey (Boys)
Ice Hockey (Girls)
Independent Sports Option (Coed)
Squash (Boys)
Squash (Girls)

SPRING

Baseball (Boys)
Cross-Country (Coed)
Independent Sports Option (Coed)
Lacrosse (Boys)
Lacrosse (Girls)
Softball (Girls)

Pointing Out the Possibilities.

New Canaan Country School

635 Frogtown Road, New Canaan, CT 06840
Phone: (203) 972-0771

Links & Resources

Accreditations

New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.