Grade 9 De-Streaming

Limestone Learning Foundation

The Ministry of Education is committed to education system changes to ensure equity of access and outcomes for all students. These changes are in response to the historic over-representation in applied courses of Indigenous, Black, and other racialized students, students who live in low-income households, and those with disabilities and other special education needs.

One of the most significant changes is the de-streaming of Grade 9 courses in September 2022 to provide opportunities for students to make decisions about their future, while keeping their options open. De-streaming (or destreaming) means that students will no longer be placed into applied or academic courses, a practice that has disadvantaged some students.

Students entering Grade 9 will take courses that will include English, Math, Science, Geography, French, Health and Physical Education plus two elective courses (Art courses, Technology courses, Business courses, etc.).  Grade 9 is a continuation of learning from Grade 8, and will allow students to transition to high school before making a decision about their preferred pathway (apprenticeship, college, workplace or university) for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What courses will my Grade 9 student take next year? 
Grade 9 students will take Math, Science, English, Geography, French, and Health and Physical Education as compulsory subjects. Students will also take two elective courses (Art, Technology, Business) for a total of eight courses in Grade 9. 

Will my student be prepared for Grade 10?   
Yes. The Grade 9 courses are a prerequisites for both Grade 10 academic and Grade 10 applied courses. 

What will de-streamed class sizes look like?
Class sizes vary depending on the course, but Grade 9 classes will have class sizes consistent with previous years. 

What does Grade 10 look like based on student marks in Grade 9? 
There is no mark minimum for Grade 10 courses. Students
will choose Grade 10 pathways that align with their future goals and pathways. 

Will my student still have their accommodations?
Yes.  Accommodations within Individual Education Plans remain in place. 

Will there be additional supports for my student?
Student support options will remain in place for students entering Grade 9.  Students should speak to their teacher about options for additional support. 

Will it be too challenging for my student? Will my student be bored?
Staff will use high yield teaching strategies to meet the needs of students in their classes - to fill gaps where needed, and to challenge all students.
 

The Limestone District School Board is situated on traditional territories of the Anishinaabe & Haudenosaunee.