English

Honors Grammar & Composition: Mr. Jack Gale

Grammar and Composition is a two-semester course that begins with a review of traditional grammar, including parts of speech, noun usage, and basic sentence patterns, and moves on to verb conjugations, phrases, and clauses before the year ends. The grammar portion of the class emphasizes usage problems, such as major grammatical errors, and common usage problems like agreement, punctuation, and sentence construction. Concurrent with the grammar portion of the class is a course in writing. The first semester focuses on various types of paragraphs (argumentation, persuasion, comparison, analysis, etc.) of a formal, three-part nature since this type of writing is the emphasis of most standardized tests, the SAT, and colleges. During the second semester, students move on to full-length essays and conclude the year with a research paper on a general topic. Students are encouraged to use outside sources during the entire year and must practice the correct use of notes and bibliography. While this is not a reading class, per se, students will read a number of short literary works and one or two short novels to provide material for literary analysis. This course prepares students for college composition.

Text: will be provided
Course Credit: 1 credit of English
Available: All grades but recommended before college writing
Annual Tuition: $660

American Literature: (with Honors option) Mr. Jack Gale

This class is a two-semester survey of American literature, mostly excerpts and shorter selections, from the beginnings of our country to the present. Since history usually provides a context for the literature, students also have an opportunity to review the history of our nation and the most significant literary periods. Though the emphasis is on shorter works in order to get as broad an overview as possible, students will also read all or many of the following standard works: The Scarlet Letter, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Walden, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and a twentieth-century selection, such as To Kill a Mockingbird or The Great Gatsby. Selections will vary by class or interest. American Literature also provides students with an opportunity to hone their writing skills through a wide range of writing assignments in which they may argue an issue of interest, discuss a matter of concern, or analyze material they have read. As time and the interests/needs of students permit, they will have opportunities to write a number of timed, in-class practice essays of the type and format suggested by the SAT. The second semester will conclude with a formal research paper.

Prerequisite: Grammar and Composition OR if the student has had a thorough writing course previously with approval by the tutor.
Text: will be provided
Credit: 1 credit of English
Available: All grades
Fee: $660

Literature & Composition: Mrs. Melissa Garcia

This two-semester Literature course will serve as an introduction to numerous short story classics in literature such as, “God Lives” by Hans Christian Andersen, “The Schoolboy’s Story” by Charles Dickens, “The Celestial Railroad” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, and The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe. Students will complete review and comprehension questions which will provide for rich classroom conversations and understandings. This compilation of short stories allows us to not only analyze and think critically, but also focus on specific skills and strategies throughout the year such as; theme, setting, plots, mood and style.

Text: Words Aptly Spoken Short Stories 3rd edition, ISBN: 978-0-9904720-3-2
Credit: 1 credit of English
Available: 8th & 9th
Tuition: $660

2022-23 Grammar & Composition: Mrs. Melissa Garcia

This theme-based course will follow IEW’s, “Implementing the Structure and Style Writing Method” as we explore God’s word. Each unit homes in on a specific subject and structure, while focusing on a specific style, and then enhancing our writing with rich vocabulary. Students will take notes, retell narratives, write from pictures, summarize references and multiple sources, write an essay, and compose formal critiques.

Text: IEW Bible-Based Writing Lessons, ISBN: 978-1-62341-316-3
Credit: 1 credit of English
Available: 8th & 9th
Tuition: $660

2023-24 IEW Narnia: Mrs. Michelle Myers

This intensive language arts course covers literary analysis, grammar, beginner sentence diagramming, and formal writing practice. Students will experience a supportive group setting as we learn how to read deeply, think critically, and write confidently using living books! Each week, there will be a Socratic-style novel discussion alongside studying the author's writing style. Students will further interact with the grammar by practicing introductory sentence diagramming. Finally, students will gain formal writing skills, including keyword outlines and stylistic techniques. By the end of the course, students will have composed a varied writing portfolio consisting of an original narrative story, a research report, a formal five-paragraph essay, and a formal literary critique.

Texts:
1. Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis
2. The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Bradley
3. The Wingfeather Saga: On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson
4. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
5. The Apothecary by Maile Meloy
6. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
7. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
8. Book Scavenger, Book 1 by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
9. Other materials will be provided by the teacher
Credit: 1 credit of English
Available: 8th - 10th
Prerequisites: No formal writing experience is necessary.
Tuition: $660

2023-24 Literature and Composition: Mrs. Michelle Myers

This advanced language arts course includes literary analysis, formal writing, vocabulary, and in-depth grammar lessons. We will submerge into the fantastical world created by C.S. Lewis in his treasured book series, The Chronicles of Narnia, with other subjects, including history and science. Class discussion will be facilitated in a Socratic-style of discussion to emphasize the art of questioning. Students will work through all nine units of the IEW writing method, including research papers, critical analysis, creative writing, and formal essays, while making connections to our novels and source texts. Additionally, students will learn to self-edit with a hands-on approach to grammar. Advanced grammar topics combine comma usage, phrase and clause construction, and indefinite/reflexive/demonstrative pronouns with foundational grammar knowledge.

Texts:

The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
IEW Following Narnia, Volume 1: The Lion’s Song Student Book ISBN: 978-1-62341-238-8
IEW Fix It! Grammar: Robin Hood Student Book, Level 3 ISBN: 978-1-62341-361-3

Credit: 1 credit of English
Available: 8th - 10th
Prerequisites: Some formal writing and foundational grammar experience are strongly suggested. Specific IEW experience is not required.
Tuition: $660