The English Department

Grade 9 - Yearlong course

English 9 is a college preparatory course aimed at providing ninth grade students with the skills necessary to advance through the succeeding years in English. The course is intended to provide fundamental instruction in writing and reading, as well as grammar and vocabulary. Furthermore, students will learn skills in close reading, brainstorming, prewriting, note taking, and outlining. Literature is arranged by genre, offering a comprehensive overview of the different forms of literature students will study during the next four years. The writings are generally expository in nature and literature based; the opportunity for creative writing is also offered at different times throughout the course.

Grade 9 - Yearlong course

English 9 Honors is a college preparatory course designed for those freshmen showing the highest level of skill development in English. The literary study in this class will focus on the characteristics of various genres, specifically short story, poetry, nonfiction, drama, and the novel. A comprehensive study of grammar and composition principles, as well as vocabulary development, is also a part of the English 9 Honors curriculum. Essays, written both in class and at home, are generally expository in nature, requiring students to respond to literature persuasively, analytically, and critically. Creative projects will also be offered throughout the year. Oral expression is emphasized through public speaking, seminars, and class discussion. Projects, writings, and discussions in this course will emphasize critical thinking skills.

Grade 10 - Yearlong course

This sophomore-level college preparatory course examines American Literature from its colonial origins to the present, including changes in subject matter and style. This course incorporates creative and expository writing, including literary analysis and research.

Additionally, this course emphasizes oral presentation skills, PSAT preparation, vocabulary, and grammar instruction. Students will be challenged to participate in class discussions and will learn to explore, as critical thinkers, the major themes of American literature and history.

Grade 10 - Yearlong course

This is an accelerated English course for sophomores, focusing on American literature from its colonial origins to the present, including changes in subject matter and style.  This course incorporates creative and expository writing, including literary analysis and research.  The expectation is that students will develop more sophisticated collegiate-level writing, finding their unique voice through written expression.

Additionally, this course emphasizes oral presentation skills, PSAT preparation, vocabulary, and grammar instruction. Students will be challenged to participate in class discussions, will complete required independent reading assignments, and will learn to explore, as critical thinkers, the major themes of American literature and history.

Prerequisite: English I Honors with a "B+" or higher both semesters; or English I with an "A" or "A-" both semesters.

Grade 11-12 - Yearlong course

This course focuses on developing skills in reading, analyzing, and interpreting literature from various genres, including poetry, drama, fiction, and nonfiction. Students will engage in close readings, critical discussions, and written compositions to explore themes, characters, and literary techniques. The honors level challenges students with more in-depth literary analysis, higher-level critical thinking, and advanced writing assignments. It is ideal for students seeking rigorous preparation for college-level English courses.

Grade 11-12 - Yearlong course

This course examines the intersection of film and written works, exploring how literature is adapted to the screen. Students will analyze storytelling techniques, themes, and artistic choices in both mediums, comparing and contrasting their effectiveness. An honors-level extension of Film and Literature, this course includes advanced analytical assignments, independent research, and in-depth discussions on the art of adaptation. Students will explore how cultural and historical contexts influence both literature and film.

Grade 11-12 - Yearlong course

Students will explore the rich heritage and diverse perspectives in African American literature, studying works from classic and contemporary authors. This course examines themes such as identity, social justice, and resilience through fiction, poetry, and non-fiction texts. This honors-level course builds on the standard curriculum with deeper exploration of literary works, advanced critical analysis, and more complex writing assignments. Students will engage in independent research and develop a nuanced understanding of African American literary contributions.

Grade 11-12 - Yearlong course

This rigorous, college-level course focuses on rhetorical analysis and argumentation. Students will analyze non-fiction texts to understand how language shapes meaning and develop their own persuasive and analytical essays.

Students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP examination in May. There is a College Board fee assessed for this examination that will be added to the students' tuition. No final exam is administered in this course in the spring semester.

Prerequisite:  Teacher Recommendation

Grade 11-12 - Yearlong course

This advanced course engages students in close reading and critical analysis of literature from various genres and periods. Emphasis is placed on understanding literary elements and crafting well-supported analytical essays for the AP exam.

Students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP examination in May. There is a College Board fee assessed for this examination that will be added to the students' tuition. No final exam is administered in this course in the spring semester.

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation.

Grade 11-12 - Semester course

This course nurtures students' creative expression through fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and playwriting. Students will refine their craft through workshops, peer feedback, and exploration of advanced literary techniques.

Grade 11-12 - Semester course

Students will learn the fundamentals of effective oral communication, including speech writing, delivery, and audience engagement. This course emphasizes confidence-building, clear articulation, and persuasive techniques for various speaking contexts.

Grade 11-12 - Semester course

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of journalism, including research, writing, editing, and ethics. Students will develop skills in investigative reporting, feature writing, and multimedia storytelling, preparing them for roles in school publications or future careers in media.

Grade 12

A capstone course designed for seniors, this class guides students through the process of completing a major research project on a topic of their choice. Emphasis is placed on research methods, critical analysis, and effective presentation of findings through written and oral formats.

Grade 11-12 - Semester course

This college-level course introduces students to academic writing, emphasizing critical reading, effective argumentation, and research skills. Students will write essays that develop clear theses and support ideas with evidence.

Grade 11-12 - Semester course

A continuation of English Composition I, this course focuses on advanced writing and research techniques. Students will engage in more complex analyses and develop comprehensive research papers on a variety of academic topics.