Grade 7 | Credits: 10

English 7 provides a comprehensive, in-depth range of balanced literacy experiences in reading and writing. Students write narrative, argument, and informational pieces across the year. Students work in book clubs and through independent reading to build their literary and informational reading skills, while also strengthening their ability to complete research and report on a topic. The course provides students with two opportunities to engage in book clubs with their peers around genre specific books, along with daily opportunities for collaboration and discussion with peers around curricular content.

Grade 7 | Credits: 10 | Prerequisites will determine placement into course

English 7 Honors provides instruction and activities at a faster pace and with increased depths. In this course, organized by units of study related to literary genres and styles of writing, students engage in an in-depth range of balanced literacy experiences in reading and writing. Students write narrative, argument, and informational pieces across the year. Students work in book clubs and through independent reading to build their literary and informational reading skills, while also strenghtening their ability to complete research and report on a topic. The course provides students with two opportunities to engage in book clubs with their peers around genre specific books, along with daily opportunities for collaboration and discussion with peers around curricular content.

Grade 8 | Credits: 5

English 8 provides a comprehensive, in-depth range of language experiences for students in literature and in writing. Students read short and full-length works categorized by literary genre and relate to their own lives and/or other literature that they have read. Writing assignments are based on class reading, instruction and discussion. Students participate in small and large group discussion. They receive significant instruction in reading, writing, research. speaking and listening. Over the course of the year, students will be expected to complete short mini-research simulations and read independently both in class and at home. This course will prepare students for the state mandated exam, which measures performance relative to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Grade 8 | Credits: 5 | Prerequisites will determine placement into course

English 8 Honors provides advanced instruction and activities at a faster pace and with increased depth. In this course, organized by literary genre, students explore short and full-length works. Students develop advanced skills in literary analysis, especially in recognizing the characteristics of each genre and the effects of those characteristics on the works studied.  Reflecting a variety of writing modes, writing assignments are based on the readings and on students' experiences. Students participate in small and large group discussion. They receive significant instruction in reading, writing, research, speaking, listening, and vocabulary skills. Honors students should be self-motivated and driven to set academic goals and meet their own deadlines. Over the course of the year, students will be expected to complete several short mini-research simulations and read independently both in class and at home. This course will prepare students for the state mandated exam, which measures performance relative to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Grade 9 | Credits: 5

English 9 provides broad experiences for students in writing and in literature. Students read a wide range of short and full-length works, representing a variety of literary genres. They apply their understandings of their reading to personal experiences.  Writing assignments are based on class reading, instruction, and discussion.  Students participate in small and large group discussion.  They receive significant instruction in reading, writing, research, and vocabulary skills. This course will prepare students for the state mandated exam, which measures performance relative to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Research tasks and independent reading are course requirements. Meets NCAA Core Course Requirements.

Grade 9 | Credits: 5 | Prerequisites will determine placement into course

English 9 Honors follows the English 8 Honors program, providing instruction at a faster pace and with increased depth. Organized by literary genre, the course explores short and full-length works of literary merit. Students develop skills in literary analysis, especially in recognizing the characteristics of each genre and the effect of those characteristics on the meaning of specific works. Writing assignments are based on the literature and reflect a variety of modes and audience requirements. Students participate in small and large group discussion. They receive significant instruction in reading, writing, research, and vocabulary skills. This course will prepare students for the state mandated exam, which measures performance relative to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Research tasks and independent reading are course requirements. Meets NCAA Core Course Requirements.

Grades 7 | Credits: 2.5

This semester English elective course is designed for students who wish to develop their creative writing abilities through independent practice and frequent individual conferences with the instructor. This course trains students to express themselves through original poems, short stories, and essays, based upon their own experiences and sensory impressions.  Students read and discuss literary models, as well as read and discuss one another's work. Students also have opportunities to publish their work both within and outside of the school context. Ideal candidates for this course are motivated, self- directed learners who are able to complete and submit tasks independently.

Grades 7 | Credits: 2.5

This English elective course is designed to help students become more confident speakers and better speech writers. Students will learn to research, organize, write, and present various types of speeches: informative, persuasive, and demonstrative. They will also read, analyze, and deliver memorable speeches from literature and history. At the end of the course, students will understand how to effectively write speeches and how to deliver them using rhetorical techniques.