DESCRIPTION OF EXCELLENCE

Teachers of English seek to inspire students to delve enthusiastically into literature and literary nonfiction and encourage analysis through the lens of God’s truth. Through cultivating critical thinking in students, teachers also train them to express their ideas and beliefs in conversation and writing.

The English department offers three different types of courses: college preparatory, honors, and Advanced Placement (AP). In a college preparatory English course, the workload and expectations are designed to prepare students for college-level coursework and beyond. Our honors courses are intended for students who are highly skilled and motivated in English and who possess a strong work ethic. AP courses allow students to take a college-level course in a supportive environment; students should expect the corresponding rigor and time required. 

Summer reading is required for honors and AP English students at the sophomore, junior, and senior levels.

• Summer reading for incoming honors sophomores: Background to Fahrenheit 451 + Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451
• Summer reading for incoming AP Language juniors: After purchasing the Norton Reader, complete the assignment linked here: AP Language summer reading assignment
• Summer reading for incoming AP Literature seniors: Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake + summer reading homework