High School

The high school English courses allow students to engage in rigorous reading and writing tasks aligned with career and college‑level expectations. Students will develop their ability to read literature and nonfiction texts with perception, sophistication, and critical insight. Through a representative selection of works drawn from multiple genres and time periods, students learn to analyze how authors use language, structure, and literary techniques to create meaning. Emphasis is placed on deepening students’ sensitivity to nuanced language and strengthening their ability to craft thoughtful, well‑supported responses to complex texts.

Students are required to take four credits of English during grades 9-12, one English course per year.  The required sequence of courses provides students with instruction in each area of language arts: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. All freshmen must take a one-credit course, English 9. Following that, English 10, English 11, and English 12 must be taken in that sequence.  Advanced Placement courses may be taken in place of English 11 and/or English 12. Advanced Placement Language can only be taken in the junior year, and Advanced Placement Literature can only be selected for senior year.  For students with special interest in English and communication, enrichment electives are recommended rather than the acceleration of course sequence. English elective courses are only offered if there is sufficient enrollment.