English
The development of writing skills is a primary objective in every English course. In sixth grade students learn to construct short essays, and by eighth grade, write multi-paragraph four to five page essays. In high school students practice and master a range of writing modes, including literary analysis, in-class timed writings, fiction, and rhetorical strategies such as comparison, definition, and persuasion. By graduation they produce meaningful, well-written and well-developed papers that demonstrate structure and organization in their ideas and arguments. Teachers use multiple drafts, one-on-one conferencing, peer revision, and prompt, detailed feedback to develop each student’s writing and critical thinking skills.
Language skills are cultivated through the teaching of vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and oral expression. All English courses use the series Vocabulary Workshop so that students consistently build their vocabularies and prepare for the SAT and ACT examinations. Grammar instruction is integrated with writing assignments in all grades.
In addition to stressing writing and language skills, courses engage students in the study of great works of literature. The variety of literary genres — novels, short stories, plays, poetry, and essay — are explored in both traditional and modern classics. The selection of literature relates to the themes of the corresponding history course.
Eleventh and twelfth grade students choose from a large number of rotating courses, enabling them to study topics of interest and relevance. The years courses are offered are indicated in the Course List.
To see a complete listing of course descriptions please use the Curriculum Catalog.