English 1 courses build upon students' prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing and usually include the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Typically, these courses introduce and define various genres of literature, with writing exercises often linked to reading selections.

English Honors courses are designed to prepare students for AP Language and AP Literature courses in their 11th and 12th grades. While fulfilling all of the same goals of the regular English curriculum, students in the Honors courses will also become familiar with AP-approved strategies for analysis and writing. In the Honors classes, students read independently and are active participants in discussion. As students transition from Honors English 1 to Honors level 2, they are expected to create individualized independent study plans that involve reading 3 novels per quarter, including at least one work of classic literature. There is a focus on reading and writing to analyze the complexity of literary texts and studying works through multiple, critical lenses. Students will also perform rhetorical analysis of nonfiction to understand how language is used as a persuasive tool. Studying mentor texts supports learners as writers and speakers who effectively engage multiple audiences. Everyone is expected to lead both small and large group discussions, as well as be open to sharing their writing for constructive feedback from peers. Participating in Honors and AP level courses will prepare students to meet the rigorous demands of universities and the modern workforce.

English 2 courses usually offer a balanced focus on composition and literature. Typically, students learn about the alternate aims and audiences of written compositions by writing persuasive, critical, and creative multi-paragraph essays and compositions. Through the study of various genres of literature, students can improve their reading rate and comprehension and develop the skills to determine the author's intent and theme and to recognize the techniques used by the author to deliver his or her message.

English Honors courses are designed to prepare students for AP Language and AP Literature courses in their 11th and 12th grades. While fulfilling all of the same goals of the regular English curriculum, students in the Honors courses will also become familiar with AP-approved strategies for analysis and writing. In the Honors classes, students read independently and are active participants in discussion. As students transition from Honors English 1 to Honors level 2, they are expected to create individualized independent study plans that involve reading 3 novels per quarter, including at least one work of classic literature. There is a focus on reading and writing to analyze the complexity of literary texts and studying works through multiple, critical lenses. Students will also perform rhetorical analysis of nonfiction to understand how language is used as a persuasive tool. Studying mentor texts supports learners as writers and speakers who effectively engage multiple audiences. Everyone is expected to lead both small and large group discussions, as well as be open to sharing their writing for constructive feedback from peers. Participating in Honors and AP level courses will prepare students to meet the rigorous demands of universities and the modern workforce.

English 3 courses continue to develop students' writing skills, emphasizing clear, logical writing patterns, word choice, and usage, as students write essays and begin to learn the techniques of writing research papers. Students continue to read works of literature, which often form the backbone of the writing assignments. Literary conventions and stylistic devices may receive greater emphasis than in previous courses.

English 4 courses blend composition and literature into a cohesive whole as students write critical and comparative analyses of selected literature, continuing to develop their language arts skills. Typically, students primarily write multi-paragraph essays, but they may also write one or more major research papers.

Journalism courses (typically associated with the production of a school newspaper, yearbook, or literary magazine) emphasize writing style and technique as well as production values and organization. Journalism courses introduce students to the concepts of newsworthiness and press responsibility; develop students' skills in writing and editing stories, headlines, and captions; and teach students the principles of production design, layout, and printing. Photography, photojournalism, and digital technology skills may be included.

Poetry courses aim to improve students' language arts and critical-thinking skills. Students determine the underlying assumptions and values within the selected works and also examine the structure, techniques, and intentions of poetry. Oral discussion is an integral part of this course, and written compositions are required.

English Language Development (ELD) courses are designed for the acquisition and rapid mastery of the English language, focusing on reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. ELD courses usually begin with extensive listening and speaking practice, building on auditory and oral skills, and then move on to reading and writing. These courses provide an explanation of basic structures of the English language, enabling students to progress from an elementary understanding of English words and verb tenses to a more comprehensive grasp of various formal and informal styles and then to advance to "regular" English courses. ELD classes may also include an orientation to the customs and culture of the diverse population in the United States.

English Language Development (ELD) courses are designed for the acquisition and rapid mastery of the English language, focusing on reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. ELD courses usually begin with extensive listening and speaking practice, building on auditory and oral skills, and then move on to reading and writing. These courses provide an explanation of basic structures of the English language, enabling students to progress from an elementary understanding of English words and verb tenses to a more comprehensive grasp of various formal and informal styles and then to advance to "regular" English courses. ELD classes may also include an orientation to the customs and culture of the diverse population in the United States.

The course requires students to develop evidence-based analytic and argumentative essays that proceed through several stages or drafts. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Throughout the course, students develop a personal style by making appropriate grammatical choices. Additionally, students read and analyze the rhetorical elements and their effects in non-fiction texts, including graphic images as forms of text, from many disciplines and historical periods.

The course engages students in the close reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure. As they read, students consider a work's structure, style, and themes, as well as its use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works.