This course allows students to dive deeper into classic novels and short stories. Class discussions, debates, and journals are just a few of the activities we use with our reading. Some examples include:

 "Lord of the Flies" 

 "Frankenstein"

 "Fahrenheit 451"

 "The Stranger" 

We will teach and incorporate critical-thinking skills and concepts into our curriculum, as well as review the writing skills needed to best prepare students for career and/or college readiness.  

What students have said about their English 12 experience...  

Jace: "English 12 has been a detailed experience consisting of the study of popular, striking literature that touched my interests in many different forms."

Andrea: "This is for the whole experience: A bomb of a class!!!! So much more freedom of expression ..."

Ryker: "This class helped me read in-between lines while reading. I am able to get more information than before when I am reading something.

• We read and write a variety of short fiction as we practice techniques in the first quarter and then we do the same with poetry in the second quarter.

• We partner with the computer science game design class to get our signature short story gamified--and then we get to play it!

• We produce work to submit to Weber's literary magazine, Scripto.

• As available, we network with working writers and other professionals for enrichment.  Past writers include Neil Schusterman, Jennifer Nielsen, Jennifer Jenkins, and Jill Bowers.

Seniors can take Debate 2, even if they've never done Debate before.

By signing up for Debate 2, you will be joining the school speech and debate team. We go to large tournaments throughout the year to help you build your skills in Speaking, Debating, and Theater Sports. 

The class isn't for everyone, but if you have a 2.0 or higher GPA, we can find room for you. It's also a great place for people you crave the spotlight or a safe place to try out their ideas. Class clowns, future politicians, thoughtful introverts, and star performers can all thrive on the Speech & Debate team.  

This class is more than learning about journalism writing skills. We actually model a newspaper business as we print two publications: The Warrior News (newspaper) and The Dub (magazine). 

Students will: 

• • • report/write articles

    • create art and comics

    • sell advertisements to various businesses

    • design ads and pages

    • take photographs and prepare photos for print

    • perform typesetting and editing skills 

    • prepare pages for mailing

Introduction to Fiction

1 semester

University Credits: 3

Students will learn how to read fiction carefully and critically, and how fiction can have a meaningful part in their daily lives. The course includes relevant practice in the principles of successful writing, including drafting, revising, and editing.

In this course, we read using the Norton Introduction to Literature, AND we read the novel Jazz, by Toni Morrison, as well as the play Julius Caesar, by William Shakespeare. 

Come enjoy fabulous conversations about life and living in our world as you expand your understanding and appreciation of the beauty of literature.

Small Group Communication

1 semester: full-year credit

University Credits: 3

This course explores the dynamics of verbal and nonverbal communication in personal relationships and small groups. The emphasis is on practical application of course content to enhance interpersonal relationships and to achieve competence as group members.

For a good time, join us!  What do we do in "AP Lang"?

• We read three novels during the year together and one each quarter of your choice on your own.  Independent reading is assessed with a book sheet--a simple way of thinking about your book in a painless, meaningful way.

• We have regular vocabulary work with Fiske Word Power, practicing learning by writing memes, posters, jingles, and commercials (see left).  We also use games like Blooket and Hink Pink to practice word fun.

• We read for rhetorical strategies and we write effective arguments and analytical essays.  Don't worry--I'll teach you how!

• We work together, joking, laughing, and learning, so that you can improve your ACT score and pass the AP exam!

But that's not all you get.  Here are a few reasons to take this course:

• Students who pass the exam in May will qualify to skip English 1010 (CE) and take English 2015 (CE), if they desire.  

• Students who TAKE AP classes are statistically more successful in college, whether or not they pass the exam--so you really have nothing to lose.

• Some say "everything's an argument," so come learn how to be really good at crafting them and super good at seeing through bad ones! 

Are you ready for college?

Learn critical analysis skills so you are prepared for College reading and College writing! Improve your ACT reading score.

We delve into the craft involved in writing literature. How do authors create whole worlds and deeply real characters through words?

What do the deep thinkers of the literary world have to say about the experience of being human?

Pass the AP English Literature Test and earn college credit even if you have already taken AP Language.

Read what former students have written about AP Lit:

Riley Adams: "Throughout my entire time in high school, I have not learned more valuable skills than those I learned in AP Lit. The reading and writing techniques I learned have helped me in nearly every college course I have taken. I think every student planning on attending 

AP Research offers a challenging academic experience. It equips students with essential skills for higher education and future careers while providing a platform for personal and intellectual growth through independent research.

• AP Research guides students through the process of designing and conducting their own independent research projects. The course allows students to choose a research topic of personal interest. This encourages a deeper connection to the material and cultivates a passion for academic exploration. 

• Students not only conduct research but also learn to effectively communicate their findings through both a written research paper and an oral defense. 

• Completing an AP Research course is regarded positively by college admissions officers.