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What are 9th Graders Called? Unpacking Ninth Grade Terminology

by JL

In our exploration into high school grade labels, we stumble upon the intriguing question: What are 9th graders called? 

The answer, as many American students know, is ‘freshmen’. This term has a rich history rooted in educational tradition and remains the prevailing label for 9th graders in the United States today.

Background & History

Unveiling the roots of the term ‘freshman’, we delve into the historical evolution of educational terminology.

The term ‘freshman’ first emerged in the early 16th century, and was popularized at Cambridge University in England, to denote new students entering their first year of study. ‘Freshman’ finds its origins in the word ‘fresh’, meaning ‘new’ or ‘novice’, coupled with ‘man’, identifying an individual.

Thus, when 9th graders first step into high school, they earn the label ‘freshman’, indicating their newcomer status.

While the term ‘freshman’ has cemented its position in American educational parlance, different countries use distinct terms for their 9th grade students. In the United Kingdom, for instance, students in Year 10, which is equivalent to the American 9th grade, do not carry a specific label. In Australia, 9th graders, usually aged between 14 and 15, are simply called ‘Year 9’ students.

What are the other grades called?

The names commonly used for students in different grades of high school in the United States are as follows:

9th Grade: Freshmen

10th Grade: Sophomores

11th Grade: Juniors

12th Grade: Seniors

These terms are widely used in American educational institutions to refer to students in their respective years of high school. However, it’s important to note that terminology may vary in different countries or regions.

Are there names for grades below freshmen?

Yes, there are equivalent names for grades below 9th in the American education system. Here are the commonly used terms for lower grades:

Kindergarten: Kindergartners or simply referred to as “K”

1st Grade: First graders

2nd Grade: Second graders

3rd Grade: Third graders

4th Grade: Fourth graders

5th Grade: Fifth graders

6th Grade: Sixth graders (sometimes referred to as middle school or junior high school, depending on the educational structure in a particular region)

These grade-level terms are used to identify students in the corresponding years of their primary or elementary education.

Is it Okay to Say “Freshman” rather than “Freshperson” or “Freshwoman?”

The term “freshmen” is traditionally used to refer to first-year students, regardless of gender, in many educational institutions. However, in recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on using inclusive language that is gender-neutral.

As a result, some people have suggested alternative terms like “freshwoman” or “freshperson” to avoid gender-specific language.

The use of “freshwoman” or “freshperson” is not as widely accepted or commonly used as “freshmen.” In many cases, “freshmen” is still considered the standard term for first-year students in both formal and informal settings.

That being said, language is constantly evolving, and there are ongoing discussions and debates about using more inclusive terminology. Some institutions and organizations may choose to adopt gender-neutral language to be more inclusive and respectful of all individuals.

Ultimately, whether to use “freshmen,” “freshwoman,” “freshperson,” or another alternative is a matter of personal preference, organizational policy, or cultural norms.

It’s important to be aware of the context and the preferences of the people you are communicating with. If in doubt, you can always ask for someone’s preferred term or use a more inclusive option, such as “first-year students.”

Is it insulting to call someone a freshman?

No, it is not generally considered insulting to refer to a 9th grader as a “freshman.” The term “freshman” is widely used and recognized as the standard name for students in their first year of high school or college. It is a common and accepted term in educational settings.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the term ‘freshman’ presents an interesting look at how we label stages in our educational journey. Rooted in history and adapted by contemporary society, the term ‘freshman’ has become a crucial part of our educational language.

So, when you step into the 9th grade, remember, you’re joining a rich historical tradition that dates back to centuries. Welcome to the world of being a freshman!

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