Tenth Grade - North America

North America

The tenth grade is the tenth school year after kindergarten (or pre-school). Grade 10 is a part of secondary school, and in most parts of the USA, it is the second year of high school, with 11th then 12th following. People who do not complete the grade, for the required coursework, have been re-entered into 10th grade during the next school year, although summer school is often taken to complete the prior courses. This is usually when children would leave compulsory education.

The term high school is often used to mean senior high school and distinguished from junior high school. Starting in ninth grade and ending in twelfth grade, grades are used in determining a student's GPA (in the U.S.), and become part of a student's official transcript. Therefore, students obtain much more control of their education and often may even choose their core classes.

In the U.S. curriculum for mathematics, tenth graders are usually taught Algebra II or Geometry. Occasionally, Trigonometry, Precalculus, or higher classes, are offered for students who wish to take Advanced Placement math classes in later years of high school.

In the U.S. curriculum for literature, students have already begun to familiarize themselves with notable authors such as Shakespeare, while some Advanced Placement programs emphasize the work of author J.D. Salinger, for example, and his Catcher in the Rye, putting a major emphasis on literary terms and getting to know themes such as alienation. Generally, students at this grade will be taught World Literature. Like other classes, Honors and Advanced Placement versions of this course are available.

In the U.S. curriculum for science, tenth graders are usually taught Chemistry, or earth science. Like other classes, Advanced Placement Chemistry is available.

In the U.S. curriculum for social studies, tenth grade students are taught recent World History. In some districts, Advanced Placement coursework, such as geography, European history, World Studies, or United States History is first made available to students in this grade.

This grade is normally followed by eleventh grade, although some U.S. colleges will accept excelling students out of this grade as part of an early college entrance program. Alternatively, some students may choose to graduate early through standardized testing or advanced credits.

In Canada, grade 10 is the 10th year of mandatory schooling. It is generally the second year of high school. There are 8 credits required to pass the 10th grade, three of which the students choose for themselves. English, Math, Science, Canadian History and Civics and Careers are mandatory.

There are four levels of classes from which the students can choose from: Academic, Applied, Remedial and Open. Academic courses are focused on abstract and theoretical work, there is usually a heavier workload in these classes but they are required if the student wishes to continue on to university after high school. Applied classes are centered around hands-on learning and necessary skills that one need. The workload in Applied classes is smaller than that in Academic courses. Open courses can be taken by any and all students and usually have few pre-requisites. The workload in these classes is similar to that of the Applied courses.