Grade 9 Planning for Academics & Sports

Please fill out the form below to indicate your math and foreign language choices as well as sports selections. An asterisk (*) indicates that a course requires a placement test.
 

Academic and Sports Preferences Form

ACADEMIC CHOICES
REQUIRED classes from which 9th graders can choose:
Final placement will be determined by the Math Department.
Final placement will be determined by the Foreign Language Department.
*indicates that this course requires a placement test for students new to Gilmour
ELECTIVE Choices
How many study halls?
SPORTS PREFERENCES
Please select the sports you plan to play or have any interest in playing during the 2025-26 academic year. This will allow the athletic administrators to plan accordingly for the upcoming seasons.
You may compete in multiple sports during the same season.

Course Selection

List of 3 items.

  • Overview

    • Students are required to enroll in a minimum of 6 classes each semester.
    • During the first semester, we strongly recommend that 9th grade students enroll in no more than 7 classes. This will allow you to have a study hall giving you access to our Math, Science, and Writing Help desks.
    • Commonly, ninth graders take Health for their seventh course in a given semester. You may choose to delay this to enroll in another elective.
    • Courses are year-long unless stated otherwise.

  • Classes required for all 9th graders

    ENGLISH: English 9
    SOCIAL STUDIES: Ancient Cultures (one semester only)
    SCIENCE: Physics
    THEOLOGY: Foundations of Faith

  • Elective Options

    • Required courses will fill 6 of the 8 blocks available for scheduling in each semester. The remaining blocks can be used for study hall or for taking electives.
    • 9th grade students have three options for their 7th and 8th blocks:
      • two study halls (to have one each day),
      • one study hall (every other day) and one elective,
      • two electives.
    • You can view our online Course Catalog for more information about elective classes and you can make final elective choices when your family has their scheduling appointment.

Course Catalog

 
 

Summer Institute

List of 5 items.

  • Accounting and Personal Finance

    Instructor: Dr. Linda Monitello, Instructor in Theology
    Money matters in building financial foundations. Prepare for the future as you engage in small business accounting and essential life skills of personal financial management! This hands-on class for high school students looks to develop essential financial skills that will last a lifetime.
    • Learn how to create and manage a budget, save effectively, and understand credit and debt.

    • Explore the basics of bookkeeping, financial statements, and how businesses track income and expenses.

    • Participate in real world scenarios that develop personal financial literacy.

  • Health (Virtual)

    Dr. James Gutowski, Director of Academic Services; Instructor of Latin, US
    This is a comprehensive health course, covering topics of mental and emotional health, nutrition and physical activity, social health and relationships, sexual health, personal health and disease, substances and abuse, and injury prevention and safety. This class is graded on a pass/fail basis and students must earn a minimum score of 70% to pass. Because this course is 100% virtual, students may complete the work whenever convenient to them. Final exams must be proctored by Ms. Fowler or Dr. Gutowski. All final exams must be completed by August 4. This class fulfills the health graduation requirement.

  • Learning Skills Enrichment

    Instructor: Mrs. Whitney Day, Chief Mission Integration Officer
    Gilmour Academy is excited to offer a robust lineup of summer courses and workshops to our students as well as students from other schools. Courses are for credit and enrichment. If you do not attend Gilmour Academy check with your guidance departments if you would like credit for the course.
     
    Courses without sufficient enrollment by the registration deadline will be cancelled.

    This class prepares incoming ninth graders for the high school curriculum. Students will examine their learning styles and develop skills in time management, organization, note taking, studying and test taking. The course will also explore the importance of critical thinking, problem solving and active reading. Please note: A minimum of six (6) students must register for this course to run. 

  • Speech

    Instructor: Mrs. Carol Ryan, Instructor in Speech, MS & US; Director of Speech and Debate Program
     
    This class is designed to further students’ effective public speaking skills regardless of their skill level on day one. Students will learn to be memorable public speakers through consistent use of organizational structure, eloquent speech delivery, and confidence from practiced experience.

    Students will explore theory, engage in pragmatic practice, and improve their delivery skills as the class investigates six core units:
     
    Knowledge Acquired (Primary Assessment)
    1. Public Speaking Base Level Skills (Impromptu)
    2. Understanding Your Audience (Extemporaneous)
    3. Greeks, Romans, and Impact of Rhetoric Today (Informative, Visual Content Creation)
    4. Persuasion (Position Paper, Persuasive Speech, Debate)
    5. Interpersonal and Organizational Speaking (De-escalation, Interviewing) 
    Impromptu speaking is this course’s pragmatic base, preparing students to vocalize their competence and courage in any professional or personal pursuit. Opportunities for presenting impromptu speeches will occur throughout the semester.
     
    Students who enjoy this introduction to the art of public speaking may wish to continue into competitive speech.
     
    The class fulfills the speech graduation requirement. Please note: A minimum of six (6) students must register by May 1 for this course to run.
     
    No prerequisite.

  • Summer Catalyst 2025

    Instructor: Dr. Neena Goel, Instructor of Science, US
    Catalyst is a research externship in which students are paired with scientist mentors at prominent institutions throughout the Greater Cleveland area. Students spend a minimum of 40 hours per week working on an authentic research project at a site assigned based upon student interest and abilities. Weekly journaling and participation in a research symposium are included among course requirements. The program is designed to help students discover the nature of science, think critically in a research context, and effectively communicate scientific information to various audiences. Catalyst demands of the students a high degree of independence, responsibility and initiative. Participants are responsible for their own transportation and parking fees.
    Must have permission of instructor and registration code from Dr. Goel. Enrollment limited to 6. Register early
    Courses without sufficient enrollment by the registration deadline will be cancelled.
Mailing Address:
34001 Cedar Road, Gates Mills, Ohio 44040
Phone: (440) 473-8000
An independent, Catholic, coed, day and boarding school in the Holy Cross tradition. Toddler-Grade 12.
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