English

The English department offers a comprehensive survey of literature in a well-articulated curriculum. In the ninth grade, students study the literary genres and their conventions, along with literary terms that provide a vocabulary for analytical discussion of literature in classroom discourse and writing. In the tenth through the twelfth grades, students study American, British and World Literature in an historical context, developing skills in reading, writing, vocabulary, and research, including the use of databases.. Independent readings each quarter encourage reading for pleasure and develop students’ awareness of a wide variety of literature. 

Year long courses use electronic texts that allow a student to keep her textbook home while the book “lives” on the portable tablet computer. E-texts include many interactive features that encourage students to highlight texts, annotate and save, and access electronic glossaries and background information about the author or literary era.

• Our highly successful Advanced Placement Literature and Composition program provides an opportunity to study college level literature and literary theory.
• Juniors in High Honors may sit for the AP Language and Composition exam.
• Students have maintained at least a 90% pass rate on the annual A.P. Literature and A.P. Language examinations.

Electives include: Creative Writing, which culminates in a student reading performance, and courses such as such as Film, Journalism and Communications, which explore career opportunities in the Communications field, along with an historical survey of and practical experiences in each of the subjects. Students also enjoy visits from professionals in the field of Communications, including Literature, Publishing, Journalism, T.V. and Radio.