English Language Arts

Course objectives include: Developing accurate, perceptive reading through close study of major texts representing various literary genres; deepening understanding and appreciation of literature; understanding the technique of poetry as it affects and enhances meaning in a poem; generating independent, thoughtful, and analytical discourse during class discussions; delivering oral reports and lead class discussions with poise and clarity; developing college-level writing abilities; and recognizing works for their literary merit. Classes focus on class discussion, some lecture, group and individual presentations, style and literary analysis of various works and writing/vocabulary/analytical skills.

Our Courses Include:

Ninth Grade English promotes student understanding of literature’s major genres: narrative fiction, non-fictional prose, poetry, and drama. Students will understand and develop a working familiarity with the characteristics of each of these genres, as well as an understanding of universal themes (such as conflict and challenge). Students will learn about the literary devices inherent to good literature. This knowledge will serve as the groundwork for all subsequent high school English classes.    

A.P. English Literature and Composition

This is a rigorous college-level course. The reading and writing is frequent and challenging; the course requires independent thinking. We will function as a community of learners. If you are committed to the work as well as to listening and learning from each other, this class will ultimately become one in which we are all teachers and students. Each member of the class will have a voice. We will learn from each other and share our thoughts, ideas, and observations with each other. While the ultimate goal of the class is to pass the A.P. exam, know that if you actively engage yourself in this class and complete all of the work, you will have taken giant steps in preparing yourself for college.