English

FRESHMAN ENGLISH HONORS

Year Course 5 credits

Prerequisite:  8th grade English with grade of A Open to: Fr.

Freshman English Honors is designed for students who have demonstrated outstanding ability and achievement in all aspects of language arts and read above grade level.  The course moves at an accelerated pace, and students are expected to work independently, either at home or in school, for a period of 60 minutes.  Emphasis is placed on analytical reading and writing, vocabulary and grammar development, and class-driven discussions.  Students read challenging literature in a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama.  Students can expect frequent multi-paragraph essays, weekly grammar 

or vocabulary assessments, and multiple long-term projects that focus on a variety of writing styles.  Average nightly homework commitment: 60 minutes.  

FRESHMAN ENGLISH CP

Year Course 5 credits

Prerequisite:  8th  grade English Open to: Fr.

This course introduces students to high school English through a focus on analytical reading and analytical writing. Designed for students reading at or near grade level, the course emphasizes building critical thinking skills through engagement with complex texts across genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. Students learn to interpret literature beyond plot, using strategies such as close reading, thematic analysis, and literary device identification. Writing instruction focuses on developing well-structured analytical paragraphs and essays, with an emphasis on constructing arguments, embedding textual evidence, and refining grammar and vocabulary for clarity and precision. Regular assignments include multi-paragraph essays, vocabulary and grammar practice, and long-term writing projects. Students are expected to engage independently with texts both in and outside of class. Active participation in class discussions, peer workshops, and collaborative learning activities supports students' growth as readers, writers, and speakers.

Estimated homework: 30 minutes per night.

SOPHOMORE ENGLISH HONORS 

Year Course 5 credits

Prerequisite:  Freshman  English Honors, grade B or above, or Open to: So.

Fresh.  English CP1, grade A

Designed for students who have demonstrated outstanding ability and achievement in English, this course focuses on in-depth, high level reading of novels, poetry, and plays.  Students practice writing cogent, open-ended essays on various topics from literature.  Students are expected to complete a significant amount of independent work including projects and outside readings  Average nightly homework commitment: 60 minutes

SOPHOMORE ENGLISH CP1

Year Course 5 credits

Prerequisite:   Freshman English CP1, C or above, or Open to: So.

Freshman English CP2, grade B or above,

This course is designed for students who have demonstrated in grade nine that they have a mastery of reading, writing, and study skills. Students read and analyze literature, practice paragraph and essay writing, review grammar, and build vocabulary. Average nightly homework commitment: 45 minutes

SOPHOMORE ENGLISH CP2

Year Course

 5 credits

Prerequisite: Freshman English

Open to: So

Similar to Sophomore English CP1 in its emphasis on reading, writing, and vocabulary, this course also stresses study skills and test taking. Students read and analyze literature, practice essay writing, review grammar, and build vocabulary. Students receive more focused in-class individualized instruction for reading and writing methods. Average nightly homework commitment: 30 minutes

AP LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION (Juniors)

Year Course 

5 credits

Prerequisite: Soph Honors, gr 88; or Soph CP1, gr 90 & teacher rec.

Open to: Jr.  

AP English Language and Composition is a course for students recommended to study English at an advanced level. Students study advanced composition and analysis of language at a level equivalent to an introductory college course, with a focus on non-fiction, diction, style, and syntax.  In the process of refining their awareness of language and the writer’s craft, students will examine the art of rhetoric through carefully focused conversation, extensive analysis, and frequent synthesis writing assignments.  The rigor of the course is designed to prepare students for the required Advanced Placement examination in English Language and Composition.  Additionally, the course maintains a continued emphasis on analytical reading skills—including close reading of complex texts, literary devices, and thematic interpretation—in order to support students’ success in AP Literature and Composition. Average nightly homework commitment: 60+ minutes.

AP LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION (Seniors)

Year Course 

5 credits

Prerequisite: Completion of Junior English & teacher rec.

Open to: Sr.  

AP English Language and Composition is a course for students recommended to study English at an advanced level. Students study advanced composition and analysis of language at a level equivalent to an introductory college course, with a focus on non-fiction, diction, style, and syntax.  In the process of refining their awareness of language and the writer’s craft, students will examine the art of rhetoric through carefully focused conversation, extensive analysis, and frequent synthesis writing assignments.  The rigor of the course is designed to prepare students for the required Advanced Placement examination in English Language and Composition.  This course will be available to a select number of juniors who meet the prerequisite standards. 

JUNIOR ENGLISH HONORS

Year Course 5 credits

Prerequisite:  Sophomore English Honors, grade B, or Open to: Jr.

Sophomore English CP1, grade A

The honors course is for juniors who have demonstrated solid writing skills (including synthesis), strong work ethic and a willingness to think independently. Students independently read and comprehend classic and contemporary literary texts, then use a variety of essay formats to conduct advanced analysis. Students draw complex connections between literary texts and non-fiction/real-world sources. Students independently study and acquire new vocabulary and grammar skills in order to improve their writing skills and prepare for standardized assessments like the SAT.  Average nightly homework commitment 45-60 minutes.

JUNIOR ENGLISH CP1

Year Course 5 credits

Prerequisite: Sophomore English CP1, grade C, or Open to: Jr.

Sophomore English CP2, grade B

This course is designed for students who have demonstrated in grade ten that they have a mastery of language skills. Students will read contemporary and classic texts in order to connect literature to their everyday lives. They will write analytical and argumentative essays, build vocabulary, and practice skills tested on the new SAT. Average nightly homework commitment: 30 - 45 minutes.

JUNIOR ENGLISH CP2

Year Course 5 credits

Prerequisite:  Sophomore English CP2 Open to: Jr.

Similar to Junior English CP1, this course emphasizes a life-to-literature connection with both contemporary and classic texts. Students in this course will receive scaffolded assistance with analytical and argumentative writing as well as acquisition of new vocabulary. Students receive more focused in-class individualized instruction for reading and writing methods. They will practice skills assessed on the current version of the SAT. Average nightly homework commitment: 30 minutes.

AP ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION

Year Course 5 credits

Prerequisite: Junior English Honors, grade of A, or                                   Open to: Sr

AP Language and Composition

Designed for students who have demonstrated exceptional English skills, this challenging course covers the equivalent of an introductory college level course. Requirements include extensive reading of fiction and writing of analytical essays. The course prepares students for the required AP exam in May. Average nightly homework commitment: 60+ minutes.

SENIOR ENGLISH HONORS

Year Course

5 credits

Prerequisite:  Junior English Honors, grade of B, or                          

Open to: Sr.

Jr. English CP1, grade of A

Similar to a college course, this class exposes students to various genres of writing. Students will read a variety of fiction and nonfiction as they develop 21st century literacy skills. Units include (but are not limited to): Personal Narratives, Media Analysis, Citation & Plagiarism, Argument & Persuasion, Theory & Criticism, and the Research Thesis.  During the Research Thesis, students will write a lengthy paper (10+ pages) that presents an argument on a topic 

of their choosing supported by a variety of sources. The class will discuss the writing process as well as strategies to develop an analytical theory. Students will frequently meet with the teacher during class time to discuss ideas. It is recommended for students who enjoy reading and writing independently.

SENIOR ENGLISH CP1

Year Course

5 credits

Prerequisite: Junior English CP1, grade of C, or                                     

Open to: Sr.

Junior English CP2, grade of B,

Similar to a college course, this class exposes students to various genres of writing. Students will read a variety of fiction and nonfiction as they develop 21st century literacy skills. Units include (but are not limited to): Personal Narratives, Citation & Plagiarism, Argument & Persuasion, Theory & Criticism, and the Research Thesis.  During the Research Thesis, students will write a lengthy paper (8+ pages) that presents a claim or argument on a topic of their choosing supported by a variety of sources.   Students will frequently meet with the teacher during class time to discuss the paper.  It is recommended for students who enjoy reading and writing, and those who work well independently.

SENIOR ENGLISH CP2

Year Course

5 credits

Prerequisite: Junior English

Open to: Sr.

In this yearlong course, seniors will practice reading and writing skills necessary for success at the college level and in the workplace.  Students will write argumentative, persuasive, narrative, and expository essays.  They will produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.  They will read a variety of fiction and nonfiction as they develop 21st century literacy skills.  Students receive more focused in-class individualized instruction for reading and writing methods. In a thematic approach to literature, students will make connections between and among several works.

ELE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS I

Year Course

5.0 credits

Open to: Foundational MLs in the ELE Program

ELE English I is designed to provide the language of the content area of English language arts to foundational students in the ELE (English Language Education) program. Through this course, students will work toward the progression of their interpretive and expressive English language and literacy proficiencies within the English language arts content area. Advancement in the use of linguistic complexity, language conventions, and academic vocabulary in English will be the focus of this course.

ELE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS II

Year Course

5.0 credits

Open to: Foundational MLs in the ELE Program

ELE English II is designed to advance the language of the content area of English language arts for transitional students in the ELE (English Language Education) program. Through this course, students will continue to work toward the progression of their interpretive and expressive English language and literacy proficiencies within the English language arts content area. Advancement in the use of linguistic complexity, language conventions, and academic vocabulary in English will be the focus of this course.

ENGLISH ELECTIVE COURSES

Note: English elective courses do not count toward fulfilling the four-year core English graduation requirement and are not included in the calculation of Class Rank or Grade Point Average.

FILM STUDIES

Semester

 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: None

Open to: Fr., So., Jr., Sr.

This comprehensive film studies course invites students to explore cinema as both an art form and a powerful medium of storytelling. Through careful analysis of films spanning multiple genres—from classic Hollywood blockbusters and suspenseful dramas to contemporary science fiction and documentaries—students will develop the critical vocabulary and visual literacy needed to understand how filmmakers craft meaning on screen. Students will critically analyze the technical building blocks of cinema, including cinematography, lighting, sound design, and editing. They will learn to identify and analyze shot composition techniques, discover how these choices guide audience attention, and create emotional impact. We'll explore how directors use color palettes, framing, and movement to establish mood and advance narrative. Students will analyze performances across different acting styles and consider how casting choices, blocking, and director-actor collaboration shape a film's success. Class discussions and writing assignments will encourage students to articulate their interpretations while developing an appreciation for diverse cinematic perspectives and cultural contexts.