This course of study emphasizes the expository, analytical, and argumentative writing that forms the basis of academic communication. Students will be expected to read critically, think analytically, and communicate clearly both in writing and speech. To hone these skills, students will explore a variety of issues pertinent to our world today by reading historical and modern non-fiction articles, speeches, and memoirs. Students develop skills in rhetoric, as well as in argument and language analysis. Students are required to take the AP English Language and Composition Exam.

Prerequisite: Honors English 10 with an A in the second semester, or English 10 with a grade of A in both semesters. A teacher recommendation is required for all students.

This course of study is intended to develop each student as both a thinker and writer, challenging him or her to articulate ideas at college level proficiency. We will survey a wide range of fiction, engage in extensive dialogues in class, work in small groups, and use written composition to experience, interpret, and evaluate literary texts. At the close of this course, each student should be able to apply fundamental rhetorical theory in the analysis of the vital aspects of any text, including, but not limited to, the following: genre, structure, character, cultural history, social reflection, and style (diction, syntax, figurative language, mechanics, rhythm, and meter). Students are required to take the AP English Literature exam.

Prerequisite: AP English Language with a grade of B or better in both semesters, or English 11 with a grade of A or better in both semesters. A teacher recommendation is required for all students.

This course of study is made up of six units aimed at building critical, standards-aligned literacy skills. Each unit is built around challenging, grade-appropriate texts and spiraling cycles of work marked by reading, writing, and collaborative small-group and whole-class discussion.

In English 10, students will develop their independent reading initiatives focused
on selecting books, setting goals, and tracking progress. They will engage compelling texts used to springboard rich conversation and meaningful writing in argument, informational, and narrative genres. In addition to this, students will be introduced to research.

Thematic areas of study: Interpretation and argument, Julius Caesar, relationship between language and thought, Plato’s Allegory of the Cave retellings, models and methods of research.

This course of study is made up of six units aimed at building critical, standards-aligned literacy skills. Each unit is built around challenging, grade-appropriate texts and spiraling cycles of work marked by reading, writing, and collaborative small-group and whole-class discussion. In English 12, students will develop their independent reading initiative. They will also use compelling texts used to springboard rich conversation and meaningful writing in argument, informational, and narrative genres as well as research.

Thematic areas of study: Interpretation and argument, memoir, science writing for lay audiences, politics and the English language, poetry, research on how we learn, Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.

This course of study is made up of six units aimed at building critical, standards-aligned with literacy skills. Each unit is built around challenging, grade-appropriate texts and spiraling cycles of work marked by reading, writing, and
collaborative small-group and whole-class discussion.

In English 9, students will develop their independent reading initiative through selecting books, setting goals, and tracking progress. They will also read compelling texts used to springboard rich conversation and meaningful writing in argument, informational, and narrative genres.

Thematic areas of study: Fahrenheit 451, interpretation and argument, intelligence and implications, selection from Democracy in America, Of Mice and Men, and retellings of Icarus. 

This course of study covers the basic curriculum as described in English 9 with increased rigor in writing, speaking, and
reading assignments.

Thematic areas of study: Fahrenheit 451, interpretation and argument, intelligence and implications, selection from
Democracy in America, The Alchemist, retellings of Icarus, and Romeo and Juliet.

Prerequisite: A grade of A in both semesters of 8th Grade English and teacher’s recommendation.