English Dept.

Middle School English Language Arts
Grades 6–8

Middle School ELA focuses on building foundational literacy skills and fostering a love for reading and writing. Students are exposed to diverse genres and writing styles while learning grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills.

SKILLS

Grammar and Vocabulary

Understanding grammar basics.
Building vocabulary through an etymological approach (Greek and Latin roots).

Writing Development

Practicing different writing styles (narrative, persuasive, and expository).
Developing paragraph and sentence structure.

Reading Comprehension

Analyzing novels (Fahrenheit 451 and Persepolis).
Learning note-taking and questioning strategies.

Critical Thinking

Using Bloom’s Taxonomy to analyze and evaluate texts.

Individualized Learning

Tailored instruction for diverse learning styles.

Upper School English Language Arts
Grades 9–12

Upper School English focuses on refining students' skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, and media literacy. Students engage with diverse texts and develop advanced capabilities in analytical, argumentative, and creative writing, preparing them for academic and real-world success.

SKILLS

Advanced Writing Proficiency

Mastery of grammar, punctuation, and sentence construction.
Crafting well-structured essays, including argumentative, creative, and research writing.
Refining work through drafting, editing, and revision.

Critical Thinking and Analysis

Analyzing and evaluating literature using Bloom’s Taxonomy.
Interpreting themes, symbols, and historical/cultural contexts.
Formulating and defending evidence-based arguments.

Genre Exploration

Understanding and applying conventions of diverse genres, such as memoir, science fiction, poetry, and drama.
Writing in a variety of styles tailored to genre-specific expectations.

Research and Media Literacy

Conducting thorough research and citing credible sources.
Navigating and critiquing digital media, including identifying AI-generated content.
Synthesizing research into coherent arguments and essays.

Independent Study and Presentation

Designing and executing long-term, student-driven projects.
Developing advanced presentation and public speaking skills.
Showcasing work through capstone projects and final essays.

English Dept.

Middle School English Language Arts Grades 6–8

SKILLS

Grammar and Vocabulary

Understanding grammar basics.

Building vocabulary through an etymological approach (Greek and Latin roots).

Writing Development

Practicing different writing styles (narrative, persuasive, and expository).

Developing paragraph and sentence structure.

Reading Comprehension

Analyzing novels (Fahrenheit 451 and Persepolis).

Learning note-taking and questioning strategies.​

Critical Thinking

Using Bloom’s Taxonomy to analyze and evaluate texts.

Individualized Learning

Tailored instruction for diverse learning styles.

Upper School English Language Arts Grades 9–12

SKILLS

Advanced Writing Proficiency

Mastery of grammar, punctuation, and sentence construction.

Crafting well-structured essays, including argumentative, creative, and research writing.

Refining work through drafting, editing, and revision.

Critical Thinking and Analysis

Analyzing and evaluating literature using Bloom’s Taxonomy.

Interpreting themes, symbols, and historical/cultural contexts.

Formulating and defending evidence-based arguments.

Genre Exploration

Understanding and applying conventions of diverse genres, such as memoir, science fiction, poetry, and drama.

Writing in a variety of styles tailored to genre-specific expectations.

Research and Media Literacy

Conducting thorough research and citing credible sources.

Navigating and critiquing digital media, including identifying AI-generated content.

Synthesizing research into coherent arguments and essays.

Independent Study and Presentation

Designing and executing long-term, student-driven projects.

Developing advanced presentation and public speaking skills.

Showcasing work through capstone projects and final essays.

Middle School English Language Arts
Grades 6–8

Learning note-taking and questioning strategies.

Upper School English Language Arts
Grades 9–12