English & Language Arts
The English and Language Arts (ELA) Department is committed to developing the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills students will need to be successful in the 21st Century. Students develop a life-long love of reading, participate in class discussions, have confidence with expression of views, and are challenged to write in different genres.
Each student is required to be enrolled in an English class, but may also elect additional courses in public speaking, creative writing, and contemporary literature.
A student’s ELA experience will
- Enhance their reading comprehension
- Encourage critical thinking
- Foster the analysis of literature, vocabulary and word study
In grade nine, the genre approach from the junior high years is reinforced and students experience a wide variety of text through poems, newspapers, short stories, nonfiction, essays, excerpts, and novels. The curriculum in grades ten through twelve exposes students to World Literature, American Literature, and British Literature, once again building upon the skills incorporated in the preceding grades and courses. Students in grades eleven and twelve may also commit themselves to participating in Advance Placement courses in language and/or literature.
All AP (specialized) curricula are endorsed and approved by the College Board and adhere to prescribed guidelines and suggestions in order to prepare students for the AP exams held each spring.