English 1 is a comprehensive college preparatory course that aims to provide students with essential reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Through the study of historically and culturally significant literary works, students will learn how to analyze text, make inferences, and interpret meaning. The course also includes the reading and comprehension of informational texts, which will help students understand how to evaluate and use evidence to support arguments.

In addition to reading and analyzing literature, students will also learn foundational writing skills, such as how to form a clear argument and organize an essay. The course covers story elements and structure, argumentative writing, basics of rhetoric, and effective writing techniques. Students will produce a variety of compositions, including narratives, informational texts, and argumentative essays, and receive feedback on their work to help them improve their writing skills.

The course also focuses on building vocabulary skills to help students understand and use academic vocabulary in future English courses. Throughout the course, students will engage in discussions and critical thinking exercises to help them develop analytical skills and practice effective communication. This course provides a strong foundation for students to succeed in future English courses, as well as for college and beyond.

At a glance:

• Develop essential reading, writing, and critical thinking skills through the study of historically and culturally significant literary works and informational texts.

• Learn foundational writing skills, including forming clear arguments and organizing essays, and produce a variety of compositions to improve writing skills.

• Build vocabulary skills and engage in discussions and critical thinking exercises to develop analytical skills and practice effective communication. 

English 2 is a comprehensive college preparatory course that builds on the foundational reading, writing, and critical thinking skills developed in English 1. Students read and analyze works of literature representative of writing from around the world, exploring a broad range of literary elements to enhance understanding. The course also focuses on personal narrative and self-reflection, allowing students to gain a better understanding of their personal identity.

In addition to analyzing literature, students will develop skills in reading and analyzing informational texts. They will produce a variety of narrative, informational, and argumentative compositions, and receive feedback on their work to help them improve their writing skills. Novels studied in this course include Catcher in the Rye, A Separate Piece, Animal Farm, and Kindred.

Through discussions and critical thinking exercises, students will develop analytical skills and practice effective communication. This course provides a strong foundation for students to succeed in future English courses, as well as for college and beyond.

At a glance:

• English 2 builds on foundational skills to develop critical thinking, reading, and writing skills.

• Students read literature from around the world, exploring various literary elements to enhance understanding.

• The course includes personal narrative and self-reflection, helping students gain a better understanding of their personal identity.

English 3 is an engaging and thought-provoking course designed to build on the foundational skills acquired in English 2. This standards-based college preparatory course is open to 11th and 12th grade students who have demonstrated mastery of English 2 curriculum standards. Throughout the course, students read and critically analyze major works that trace the significant social, cultural, and philosophical trends that influenced American literature. The course provides a rich and diverse range of literary texts that include The Great Gatsby, The Crucible, and Raisin in the Sun, among others. Students explore themes such as the American Dream, race and ethnicity, and the power dynamics of American society. They analyze the ways in which literature reflects and shapes American identity and culture, and consider their own place in this complex and evolving landscape.

In addition to reading and analyzing literature, students in English 3 hone their writing and communication skills by producing a variety of narrative, informational, and argumentative compositions. They receive feedback on their work to help them improve their writing skills, and develop their ability to craft well-supported arguments. The course emphasizes rhetorical analysis and the study of effective communication, providing students with the skills necessary to engage in informed and persuasive discourse. By the end of the course, students have gained a deep understanding of American literary culture and its historical and cultural significance, as well as the tools to communicate their ideas effectively and persuasively. This course prepares students for success in college and beyond, providing them with the critical thinking, reading, and writing skills necessary for success in a wide range of academic and professional contexts.

At a glance:

• English 3 builds on foundational skills acquired in English 2, providing a standards-based college preparatory course for 11th and 12th grade students.

• Students critically analyze major works of American literature that trace significant social, cultural, and philosophical trends, exploring themes such as the American Dream, race and ethnicity, and power dynamics.

• The course emphasizes writing and communication skills, focusing on informational, argumentative compositions, rhetorical analysis, and effective communication, preparing students for success in college and beyond.