Ninth Grade

World History isn’t just about memorizing dates and events—it’s about uncovering the stories, beliefs, and connections that have shaped our world. This course takes students on a journey through time, from the origins of humanity to the global relationships of today, fostering a deeper understanding of different cultures, traditions, and historical turning points.

• Where do we come from? The course begins by examining human origins and comparing theories of evolution with diverse creation beliefs from cultures around the world.
• Ancient Civilizations: Students dive into the rich histories of India and China, exploring the oldest spiritual traditions still practiced today.
• India, Tibet, and China: By studying both ancient and modern India, students gain insight into its lasting cultural impact. They also investigate Tibet and China, examining China’s evolving role in global affairs, including its relationship with the U.S. and the world.
• The Middle East: Students analyze the history and complexity of the Middle East, developing awareness of the region’s diverse cultures, historical conflicts, and modern challenges.

Throughout the year, students don’t just learn what happened—they learn why it matters. They will strengthen essential skills in critical thinking, reading, writing, note-taking, and public speaking, preparing them to engage with history in a meaningful way.

By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of the world’s interconnected past and its impact on the present, equipping them to think globally and critically about the world around them. 

English 9 is more than just reading and writing—it’s about exploring ideas, refining communication, and discovering the power of language. Building on the foundation set in 8th grade, this course challenges students to think critically, express themselves clearly, and engage with both American and world literature in a deeper, more meaningful way.

• Literature as a Lens: Through novels, short stories, poetry, and essays, students encounter diverse perspectives, exploring themes that challenge their thinking and expand their worldview.
• Writing with Purpose: Students refine their expository and creative writing skills, mastering the art of persuasive argument, literary analysis, and storytelling while fine-tuning grammar, style, and mechanics.
• Developing Critical Thought: Discussions and written responses push students to analyze complex ideas, engage in abstract thinking, and make connections between literature and real life.
• Finding Their Voice: Through structured debates, presentations, and discussions, students learn to articulate their thoughts confidently, developing skills that will serve them across disciplines and in the world beyond the classroom.

By the end of the year, students will not only read literature—they’ll engage with it, question it, and respond to it with insight and originality. This course challenges, inspires, and prepares students to be thoughtful readers, compelling writers, and confident communicators.

Integrated Math 1 is more than just equations and formulas—it’s about discovering patterns, making connections, and thinking critically. As the first course in a three-year college preparatory sequence (Math 1, 2, & 3), this class weaves together key mathematical concepts to build a strong foundation for problem-solving and real-world application.

A Blended Approach: Instead of learning algebra, geometry, and statistics in isolation, students explore these topics together, seeing how mathematical ideas are interconnected and reinforcing their understanding along the way.

Key Concepts Include:

• Algebra & Functions: Mastering linear equations, inequalities, and systems while exploring exponential functions and sequences.
• Statistics & Probability: Using data analysis and regression techniques to model real-world situations.
• Geometry: Understanding transformations, relationships between figures, and geometric reasoning.
• Thinking Over Memorization: The focus isn’t just on solving problems—it’s on understanding why the solutions work. Students engage in hands-on activities, technology-based explorations, and real-world applications to develop fluency in mathematical reasoning.

By the end of the year, students won’t just know math—they’ll think like mathematicians, recognizing patterns, making connections, and applying their skills to tackle complex challenges.

Integrated Math 2 builds on the foundation established in Math 1, guiding students into deeper exploration of algebra, geometry, probability, and trigonometry. This course challenges students to think critically, reason logically, and apply their skills to real-world problems while reinforcing connections between mathematical concepts.

Bridging Algebra and Geometry: Students formalize and extend their understanding of geometry, exploring properties of two- and three-dimensional objects and developing the ability to construct and justify formal proofs.

Key Concepts Include:

• Quadratic Expressions & Functions: Factoring, graphing, and solving quadratic equations.
• Comparing Functions: Understanding the relationships between linear, exponential, and quadratic models.
• Probability & Data Analysis: Examining statistical models and making predictions.
• Geometry & Trigonometry: Exploring equations of circles, chords, tangents, and right triangle trigonometry to solve geometric problems.

Beyond Memorization: Students engage in questioning, investigating, analyzing, and justifying their reasoning, developing both procedural fluency and deep conceptual understanding. Through collaboration, exploration, and real-world applications, they strengthen problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning.

Building on the foundation of Math 1 and Math 2Integrated Math 3 challenges students to synthesize their mathematical knowledge, exploring deeper connections between algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics. This course strengthens critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical reasoning, preparing students for the challenges of Pre-Calculus and beyond.

Bringing It All Together: Students apply and extend previous learning by analyzing multiple representations of functions, transformations, and polynomials, while also diving into more advanced topics such as trigonometric modeling and statistical inference.

Key Concepts Include:

• Functions & Transformations: Exploring transformations of linear, quadratic, exponential, and trigonometric functions.
• Polynomial Relationships: Finding zeros of polynomials and connecting them to graphs and equations.
• Modeling with Trigonometry: Using periodic functions to analyze real-world phenomena.
• Probability & Statistics: Understanding randomness, normal distribution, and data interpretation to make statistical conclusions.

Beyond Equations: Students engage in deep analysis, investigation, and communication, constructing and justifying logical arguments while tackling real-world applications. Through collaboration, exploration, and rigorous reasoning, they develop mathematical fluency and adaptability.

Get ready to dive into the world of energy, matter, and motion as we explore the fundamental principles that govern our universe! This hands-on, lab-based course brings physics and chemistry to life, challenging students to apply quantitative reasoning, problem-solving, and scientific inquiry to real-world phenomena.

Discover the Laws That Shape Our World:

• Energy & Matter: Investigate the interplay between energy and mass, from the tiniest atoms to the vast forces that drive the cosmos.
• Physics in Action: Apply Newton’s Laws, explore motion, force, and momentum, and uncover the mysteries of waves, electricity, and magnetism.
• The Chemistry Connection: Build a strong foundation in chemical reactions, atomic structure, and the periodic table, seeing firsthand how chemistry and physics intertwine.
• Science in the Real World: Use environmental and theoretical science to discuss real-world applications—from renewable energy solutions to space exploration.
• Learn by Doing: Through engaging labs and hands-on experiments, students will put theories to the test, collecting and analyzing data to draw meaningful conclusions.

This dynamic and interactive course will ignite curiosity, strengthen scientific reasoning, and equip students with the tools to think like scientists—whether they're launching rockets, analyzing motion, or diving into the building blocks of matter.

In Spanish 9, students take their language skills to the next level, refining their fluency, deepening their grammar knowledge, and strengthening their ability to communicate with confidence. This highly interactive course follows national and state standards and earns students one year of high school credit, preparing them for Spanish 10.

Speak with Confidence

• Engage in conversational Spanish while mastering complex grammar, including the subjunctive tense—essential for expressing emotions, doubts, and possibilities.
• Strengthen writing skills through storytelling, essays, and creative projects.

Real-World Language Learning

• Immerse yourself in Spanish by interacting with native speakers in Santa Barbara area schools and community programs.
• Participate in engaging, real-life projects, such as conducting interviews, planning events, and exploring Spanish-speaking cultures firsthand.

A Challenging & Rewarding Experience

From dynamic classroom discussions to hands-on cultural projects, students develop the skills to connect with people, explore new perspectives, and navigate the Spanish-speaking world with confidence.

This course is not just about learning a language—it’s about experiencing it.

During 9th grade, students engage in some of the most meaningful and thoughtful conversations of their middle school journey. As the culmination of their time at SBMS, this year marks a turning point—one in which students are trusted to take on visible leadership roles across campus and model empathy, integrity, and accountability for younger peers. In Life Skills, they are given the privilege of deeper, more nuanced conversations with faculty and guest teachers—conversations they earned by building trust, learning from experience, and stepping into who they’re becoming. The program offers space to reflect on how they want to show up in the world—online, in relationships, and across their communities. Through classes on public speaking, digital wellbeing, substance use, healthy relationships, and mental health, students gain tools to navigate increasing independence and complexity in their lives. They explore identity, bias, and belonging in ways that expand perspective and deepen their commitment to community. This final year of Life Skills challenges students to lead with clarity and courage, contribute to equity and connection, and move forward with a strong sense of self and the tools to thrive in high school and beyond