In Grades 9-12 students write increasingly longer narrative forms, more abstract expository essays, and more fully documented research papers. Thematic units integrate literature study with the skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Reading comprehension, vocabulary development, grammar, mechanics, thinking skills, and oral communication skills are emphasized at each grade level. The basic English courses strengthen skills in writing, comprehension of literature, and the accurate and effective use of language. Writing often for practical purposes improves the students’ abilities to persuade, inform, and reason in logical and standard English. At all grade levels, thematic units integrate skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening with special attention given to developing reading comprehension, enlarging vocabulary, improving spelling, and developing accuracy in usage and mechanics. 

The honors program is organized into thematic and historical units through which students strengthen their critical thinking skills through extensive discussion and writing activities. The literature studied is taken from core texts and selected paperbacks and is comprised of world classics. Students write for diverse audiences with specific purposes in mind. Emphasis is placed on the writing of literary analysis, fully documented research reports, and commentaries on novels, plays, and poems. 

Students must take one required English course per academic school year, and they are encouraged to take English electives as well. Required courses (honors or regular) are those courses designed to teach the English Standards of Learning 9, 10, 11, and 12.

Students may not skip or substitute the required courses.