Sixth grade English—comprising interwoven Literature and Writer’s Lab strands—offers students an integrated experience of literature and writing, with a core focus on learning how to think. Students explore young adult literature of various genres, including such texts as Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and The Outsiders. Techniques of literary analysis are introduced through the lenses of Change-in-a Main-Character, Conflict, and the Hero’s Journey. Class novels are reinforced by independent reading projects, structured for individual application of growing literary skills. Reading comprehension is grounded in metacognitive strategies designed to help students become conscious of the “idea traffic” zipping through their brains as they read, giving them tools to catch and probe those ideas to make meaning. Techniques include visualization experiences utilizing drama, art, filmmaking, photography, and technology, as well as varied practice in discovering a valid thesis and developing effective support. Inferential reasoning (reading between and beyond the lines) and vocabulary are emphasized. Writing is experienced as a process, launched in shared class activities, drafted using classroom laptops, and shaped via student editing opportunities. Pieces include essay, literary analysis response, memoir, descriptive writing, poetry, and reflection. The joy of discovering oneself as a writer, in voice and craft, is the animating principle, with a focus on developing one’s own independent editor’s eye.

English 2 spotlights the recursive moves that matter in preparing students for the rigors of college-level reading and writing. While English 1 introduces the foundational routines of close observation, critical analysis, and appreciation of the author's craft, English 2 requires students to apply those same practices to a new host of complex texts—the types of texts they will soon encounter in AP English courses, college classes, and on the SAT. As readers, students develop a vigilant awareness of how the poet, playwright, novelist, and writer of nonfiction alike can masterfully manipulate language to serve their unique purposes. As writers, students compose more nuanced essays without losing sight of the importance of well-crafted sentences and a sense of cohesion.

We are the stories we consume. But how does what we read and see shape our minds, create our sense of ourselves, others, and the world? English 4 teaches the art of literary analysis -- how authors make meaning. We look at imagery, language, and structure in a variety of genres -- short story, poetry, drama, and the novel -- and through various analytical lenses (Formalist, Marxist, Feminist, Psychological, and Archetypal Criticisms). Students learn how to communicate in dynamic and impactful ways through analytical, creative, and personal writing.

The AP Literature and Composition course is designed to engage students in close reading, critical analysis, and thoughtful interpretation of imaginative literature. This course reflects the College Board’s recommended approach to teaching literature which emphasizes “experiencing literature, interpreting literature, and evaluating literature”. The course provides students with intellectual challenges, such as teaching and learning strategies, and assignments/ assessments which will prepare them for the AP exam as well as college and university study. Through a close reading of selected texts, students will develop a deep understanding of the works by analyzing the ways writers use language to provide meaning-often times multiple and pleasure for their readers.  Students will read a variety of literature, diverse in period and tradition, including classical and modern drama, diverse styles of poetry, non-fiction and satire, the novel and novella (pre and post twentieth century), and short stories. Students will consider each work’s structure, style and theme(s), as well as the range of literary devices and figurative language. Students will evaluate these literary works by closely looking at the writer’s craft as well as the implicit social and cultural values. These assignments will require analysis, interpretation and argument.