Core classes

• English 1 A: A comprehensive English course where students synthesize scholarly and literary sources for coherent academic discussion and writing; discover the malleability of the writing process and develop use of vocabulary through reading, writing, and academic discourse; create lucid compositions for specific audiences across various writing structures; and focus on English skill-building with the foundational pillars of the Common Core State Standards for English grade 9/10.

• English 1: A comprehensive English course of literature, composition, and language, including listening and speaking. The study of literature includes reading and comprehending a wide variety of literary forms including short stories, nonfiction, poetry, drama, novels, and spoken and visual texts. This course includes a variety of writing assignments including narrative essays, expository essays, response to literature, and research papers. Students will also use other technology to create assignments.

• English 2 A:  A comprehensive English course where students learn to enjoy, appreciate, and recognize the elements of literature; demonstrate an understanding of grammar, mechanics, and usage; use new vocabulary words in context; analyze critical interpretations of literary works; write a well-developed essay, using a strong thesis as the basis; research a given topic by using technology and other sources and correctly documenting all sources by adhering to the MLA format; to develop skills of literary discussion—in terms of speaking, listening, and writing; write various portfolio-related pieces which will be compiled in the students’ tenth grade working portfolio; demonstrate various reading strategies while being introduced to new literary works; be adequately prepared for their choice of junior English class and for real-world application. 

• English 2: The objective is to advance students’ reading, writing, listening, speaking, and critical thinking abilities through the teaching of the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts as well as social-emotional and soft skills. Students will be exposed to various types of literature including short stories, novels, non-fiction articles, and poetry, while also focusing on grammar and vocabulary to refine their narrative, argumentative, and analytical writing. Close reading skills, integrating quotes, researching and citing scholarly sources, and composing projects and presentations are some essential skills students will acquire and apply.

• English 3: An American literature English course entailing literature, composition, and language, including listening and speaking. The study of literature includes reading and comprehending a wide variety of literary forms including short stories, nonfiction, poetry, drama, novels, and spoken and visual texts. This course includes a variety of writing assignments including narrative essays, expository essays, response to literature, and research papers. Students will also use other technology to create assignments.

• ERWC:  A year-long English course designed to help you develop your abilities in composition and response techniques with an emphasis on understanding and responding to a wide variety of text types. You will develop your reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills and produce a variety of narrative, informational, and argumentative texts.

• Genres: A year-long English course designed to help juniors and seniors who are also enrolled in a core English course to develop their abilities in composition and response techniques. Students will read a wide range of texts to build their reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills. Students will produce a variety of narrative, informational, and argument compositions. 

• AP English Language and Composition: “AP English Language and Composition is an introductory college-level composition course. Students cultivate their understanding of writing and rhetorical arguments through reading, analyzing, and writing texts as they explore topics like rhetorical situation, claims and evidence, reasoning and organization, and style.”  (apcentral.collegeboard.org)

• AP English Literature and Composition: “In the AP English Literature and Composition course, you will evaluate fiction and other works from various periods and cultures. Skills that are learned in this course focus on the interpretation of literary works and the ability to articulate your thoughts in writing. You will engage with all kinds of fictional texts, such as short stories, poetry, plays, and novels.” (apcentral.collegeboard.org)

Electives:

• Studies in Media: Familiarizes students with the importance of oral, written, and visual communication as it applies to legacy and contemporary formats of media. Students will be aware of the legal and ethical issues surrounding the media, and especially the issues that develop as the internet and contemporary media changes. Students will develop critical and analytical thinking skills through the development of a variety of writing assignments, and hands-on technology application and analysis of the media. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the media from the standpoint of the freedoms, limitations, and responsibilities of a free press. Reading, speaking and writing skills will be integrated through response, reflection, research, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

• Creative Writing: Includes the writing of non-fiction texts, and the creation of original stories, children's books, and poems. The course will expand student's ability to discuss literature, analyze characters, and write effectively and skillfully. Students will apply their understanding of writing techniques to unique creations limited only by their own creativity. Students will write daily as they refine their skills and understand nuances of plot, characterization, and rhetoric. The course will examine multiple genres of fiction, and students will practice writing in all the genres. By the end of the course, students will use a variety of digital tools to produce and publish their writing.

• Yearbook: Students have the opportunity to learn about the process of publishing by contributing to this year’s yearbook where they will be journalists, photographers, and editors! In this class we will cover the basics of writing and photography, as well as basic composition - laying out images and text in a visually appealing manner. Students will be assigned tasks and sections of the yearbook based on their strengths and class needs, but everyone is expected to contribute. Think of this yearbook as a time capsule!

• Speech and Debate: This course is designed for high school students who want to develop essential skills in communication, critical thinking, and argumentation. Throughout the course, students will learn to express themselves confidently, analyze information effectively, and participate in constructive debates. By the end of this course, students will be able to communicate clearly and persuasively using verbal, visual, and non-verbal techniques; analyze documents, conduct research, and evaluate source credibility; participate in debates using persuasion and argumentation techniques; collaborate effectively with others to develop and express ideas; master various presentation styles, including humorous, informative, persuasive, and dramatic speeches; and overcome stage fright using effective strategies.

• Journalism:  This course will give you the tools and knowledge to understand how news is made and reported. You'll learn the basics of being a journalist and explore the important role that journalism plays in our society. In this course, you will understand the basics of journalism; develop key journalism skills; explore ethical issues in journalism; and get hands-on experience.