In this introduction to Middle School English course, we will explore the world of the ancient myths, legends and heroes.  We will also read and examine the modern take on mythology of the Percy Jackson novels. This class is highly interactive — we read, act, create artwork and write until we can write no more. During this year, we will lay a foundation in grammar, punctuation and vocabulary development. We will broaden our ‘word horizon’ by learning Greek and Latin roots, prefixes and suffixes. In addition, students will begin to fully utilize the writing process through the exploration of a variety of creative writing styles. Students will compose personal pieces, short stories, myths, legends, poems, plays, descriptive and imaginative pieces. This class is an ideal introduction for the student who is new to the formal ‘classroom experience.’

​

Prerequisite: must be age 11 by the first day of class

In the Honors English II course, students will read and analyze a variety of texts in order to critically approach and respond to a diverse set of genres and styles.  We start the year with a unit on Science Fiction.  We study deeply human characteristics in literature — love, pride, prejudice, alienation, domination and hubris. In addition, students will continue to refine their writing skills by addressing all aspects of the writing process. We study logic and argumentation, culminating in major writing assignments focusing on both short fiction and non-fiction pieces and literary analysis. The main instructional approach of the course will be student-centered and focused on interactive instruction. The goal of this course is to increase student confidence and achievement in both critical reading and writing.

​

Prerequisite: High School English I or teacher approval

In this Honors Middle School English course, students will read and analyze short fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, and novels.  We dive into magical realms, mysteries, romance and Shakespeare!  The ultimate goal of middle school English is to lay the groundwork for the literary analysis and critical thinking and writing necessary for entrance into English I.  The readings are targeted to the advanced 7th grader or 8th grader, and the class is best suited to the student who has had some 'classroom' experience and the maturity to keep pace. In addition, students will begin to fully utilize the writing process through the exploration of a variety of writing styles.  Students will compose personal pieces, descriptive and imaginative pieces, and a mini-research paper. Vocabulary building will be intertwined throughout the course. 

​

Prerequisite: Middle School English I or teacher approval

This course is a survey of British literature from the Medieval period to the Modern while integrating a study of history in relation to the context of the literary work. This helps the reader's understanding and appreciation of the literature, as well as providing cultural context for University level study to come.  Students write critical and argumentative essays, engage in creative writing projects, and make technology-assisted oral presentations. Students also continue to prepare for the ACT, SAT, and college entrance exams. Choice of Shakespearean plays to be read will depend on the performance schedule of the Globe Troupe and Royal Shakespeare Company for the Summer season.

​

Prerequisite: High School English II, teacher approval, and must be age 15+

In the Honors English I course, students will be exposed to a wide range of literature, including short stories, non-fiction works, poetry, plays, and novels.  We have a focus on Revolution - both social and political.  We examine why and how these massive changes occur, how rhetoric shapes them, and how we record them in fiction. In addition, students will utilize the writing process to produce a variety of written pieces, including short fiction, persuasive and expository essays, and a mini-research paper. Writing instruction will center on the organization and structure of ideas. The instructional approach will consist mainly of project-based learning, as well as more traditional reading and writing activities. The goal of this course is to expose students to a variety of texts in order to hone critical thinking skills.

​

Prerequisite: Middle School English II or teacher approval