This course prepares students for the challenges posed by the Gateway Exams which students must pass in order to graduate. In this course students will learn study skills that will assist in mastering language, math and science skills. The course will also help students build self-esteem, positive attitudes and address character education. The course is required for all freshmen.

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Course Name: English I
Prerequisites: None
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
Grade: 9

This course gives the students a review of the fundamental skills, stressing their effectiveness in oral and written communication. Emphasis is placed on the development of basic reading skills and a step toward better understanding of different types of literature. This course also provides an introduction to the short story, poetry, drama, and the novel as well as preparation for Gateway. The ability to read and analyze with understanding and comprehension is emphasized. This course will include an End-of-Course test.

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Course Name: College-Prep English I
Prerequisites: 8th Grade TCAP Achievement Total Language: 80%-ile or higher
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
Grade: 9

This course students will examine and analyze poetry, short stories, drama and novels. Composition writing will be emphasized and outside reading will be required. Preparation for Gateway will also be stressed. This course will include an End-of-Course test.

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Course Name: English II
Prerequisites: English I
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
Grade: 10

This course provides students with a varied program of grammar review and comprehensive reading skills. Efficient writing and vocabulary development will be introduced. The study and identification of essential characteristics of short stories, poetry, drama and the novel are also emphasized. This is a gateway course.

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Course Name: College-Prep English II
Prerequisites: English I
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
Grade: 10

This course provides instruction in grammar, vocabulary, oral and written communication skills. It is comprised of a composition program that integrates literature and writing research skills. In the literature study that blends the classics with the contemporary, the student examines and analyzes short stories, poetry, drama and the novel. Students completing this course must take the Gateway exam.

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Course Name: English III
Prerequisites: English I & II
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
Grade: 11

This course includes a general overview of American literature. Students will review grammar usage with an emphasis on vocabulary development and composition writing skills while preparing for the TCAP Writing Assessment. Practical application of basic English skills is practiced.

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Course Name: College-Prep English III
Prerequisites: English I & II
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
Grade: 11

This course presents a chronological survey of American literature and requires the reading and study of novels by American writers. Vocabulary development, oral reports, composition and essay writing are also stressed in preparation for the TCAP Writing Assessment. Students will use critical thinking skills and write reports that require analytical and research skills.

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Course Name: English IV
Prerequisites: English I, II, & III
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
Grade: 12

This course emphasizes mastery of basic grammar skills. Exercises are also used to help students improve their reading skills. Literature study includes short stories, drama, and the novel.

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Course Name: College-Prep English IV
Prerequisites: English I, II, & III
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
Grade: 12

This course is a chronological survey of British literature. It provides a review of grammar as well as vocabulary study. To improve their composition skills students will write several essays and a research paper.

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Course Name: AP English IV
Prerequisites: CP-English I,II & III and those below
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
Grade: 12

Advancement Placement English 4 is a college level course offered to seniors in high school. It includes a curriculum with a major emphasis on a chronological study of British literature, supplemented with a study of various themes as presented in different genres of world literature. This course will require the students to analyze literature in depth in preparation for the AP exam. The course also requires a demanding schedule of independent reading and study. The AP exam is prepared and graded by the College Board and a grade of 3 on a 5 point scale is required. A passing grade in the class does not guarantee a passing grade on the AP exam. A fee for the test is required. While the AP test results are accepted at most colleges, the student is responsible for determining acceptance at the college of choice.
NOTE: Students are responsible for purchasing outside reading materials and for paying the fee for the AP exam.
Registration/prerequisite requirements for AP English 4:

1. Complete application by assigned deadline
2. Receive positive recommendations form course instructor and principal/principal's designee
3. Parent and student attend an orientation meeting with the AP instructor
4. Parent and student attend an orientation meeting with the AP instructor
5. Parent and student sign a performance contract

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Course Name: Journalism/Yearbook
Prerequisites: Teacher Interview
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
Grade: 11-12

This elective provides an introduction to the basic types of mass communication. Students make an analysis of the history and functions of the mass media and compile notebooks containing professional and personal examples of the elements of print journalism. Students also learn practical applications of the fundamentals of feature writing, advertising, photography, and page design through the production of the school yearbook. An application form which includes a writing sample must be completed by any student desiring to schedule this class. An interview with the teacher is required.

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Course Name: African-American Literature
Prerequisites: Teacher Recommendation
Semesters: 1
Credits: 1/2
Grade: 11-12

African-American Literature is designed to acquaint the student with important cultural and historical themes advanced by significant African-American authors. The course essentially focuses on analyzing and interpreting representative pieces of prose and poetry. A primary goal of the course is to foster understanding and facilitate the development of tolerance and appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of African-Americans. This course is an elective course and will not count as one of the four courses in English required for graduation.

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Course Name: Creative Writing
Prerequisites: None
Semesters: 1
Credits: 1/2
Grade: 11-12

This course provides students with the opportunity to develop a creative outlet through writing experiences. Creative Writing allows students to promote self-expression, to explore various writing styles and to strive for a variety in diction, sentence structure, and format. This course is an elective course and will not count as one of the four courses in English required for graduation.

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Course Name: Etymology
Prerequisites: None
Semesters: 1
Credits: 1/2
Grade: 11-12

Etymology is the study of derivation of words. Students will study the history of words, break them down into basic elements and trace the to the earliest known forms in order to build vocabulary. This course is an elective course and will not count as one of the four courses in English required for graduation.

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Course Name: ACT Prep
Prerequisites: None
Semesters: 1
Credits: 1/2
Grade: 11-12

ACT Prep will provide students with a variety of test-taking strategies, test-taking vocabulary, speed reading and preparation for each area of the ACT. Students will gain knowledge of how to be prepared physically and mentally for the ACT tests. Students will take practice tests with released ACT tests and evaluate their performance on each test.