English 

The English Department is dedicated to teaching literature and the skillful use of language. In every grade and at every academic level, students develop and hone writing, reading, critical thinking, speaking, listening, and responding skills. In addition to required English classes, the English Department offers a rich array of three-credit elective courses that allow students to deepen their engagement in focused areas of literature and the language arts. 

Students must pass English 9, English 10, English 11 and English 12 to graduate; these core courses are all full-year, six-credit courses that are offered at three academic levels. The Department strongly encourages students to choose levels carefully, keeping in mind the Department’s emphasis on reading and writing. In selecting a level, students should consider their own work habits, reading speed, writing facility, abstract reasoning ability, comfort working independently and teacher recommendation. Regardless of level, each grade level course begins the year with required summer reading and guides students through selected core literature and additional works which vary in number, difficulty, and length. Students work through processes to produce three-to-four major papers or projects per term and have reading and/or shorter writing assignments due at nearly each class meeting. The English program is supported by the existence of the Writing Lab, a drop-in center staffed by English teachers. Students are encouraged to bring written work in any stage of the writing process to the Writing Lab for one-on-one conferencing and support.

Honors - (H) is a course designed for students who have demonstrated high achievement in prior English classes. Students who choose the Honors level should be prepared to move through material quickly, to read and write analytically and independently, to think critically and creatively, to take initiative and assume responsibility for their own learning. Students who opt for honors should be able to do the work without help from tutors, parents, or extensive help from the teacher. A teacher recommendation for Honors is based on superior achievement in a previous English course.

Advanced College Preparatory – (ACP) is a course designed for students who have demonstrated effective reading, writing and speaking skills. Reading and writing assignments are substantial at the Advanced College Preparatory level and require consistent and effective study habits. Students are supported as they hone abstract reasoning and critical thinking skills in both class discussions and analytical papers. Major assignments are broken into process steps as students work to develop independent skills. A teacher recommendation for ACP is based on considerable achievement in a previous English course.

College Preparatory – (CP) is a course designed for students who are in the process of developing effective reading, writing and speaking skills. Assignments are structured to emphasize effective study habits and attention to process. Homework is designed to reinforce in-class instruction and to provide the practice required for the acquisition of independent skills. Modified pacing allows for an emphasis on depth over breadth in the study of literature, and smaller class size allows for more individualized instruction.