English 9, Academic
(Pererequisite: B average in English and Reading 8 teacher recommendation)
There are five main components to this course:  literature, written composition, oral communication, vocabulary, and grammar.  Selected readings from various works of literature as class assignments will be supplemented by individual readings in fiction and non-fiction.  Independent reading is required for this class as well as class participation and oral presentations. This course will also emphasize writing skills and preparation for the Pennsylvania State Standards Assessment Test (PSSA). 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.

English 9, Comprehensive (Prerequisite: Successful completion of 8th grade English)
The course includes the fundamentals of grammer, punctuation, capitalization, and basic sentence patterns. Also included are spelling, vocabulary, composition, and oral and written book reports. Literature appropriate to the reading skills and interests of the students is emphasized. This course will also emphasize writing skills and preparation for the Pennsylvania State Standards Assessment Test (PSSA). 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.

English 10, Academic
(Prerequisite: a "C" in Academic English 9, a "B" in Comprehensive English 9, or teacher recommendation)
This course emphasizes a review of basic grammar, including punctuation and mechanics of expression, and vocabulary studies.  Composition work will emphasize writing skills and preparation for the Pennsylvania State Standards Assessment Test (PSSA). The literature program will include a variety of literature: the study of the short story, novel, drama, essay, and poetry. Students will research a selected author. Speeches will be required. 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.

English 10, Comprehensive (Prerequisite: Successful completion of 9th grade English)
This course focuses on the fundamentals of English.  A survey is made of the basic types of literature.  Speeches will be required. Composition work will include development of writing skills, preparation for the PSSA, and complete a research paper with a general topic. 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.

English 11, Honors
(Prerequisite: "B" average in Academic English 10 or teacher recommendation)
The purpose of this course is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement English (12) course.  The emphasis of this course is American literature, and selected classical materials, with reliance upon research, discussion, extensive writing, analysis, vocabulary, and critical thinking. A research paper on a literary topic is required. Students will also prepare for the PSSA. Students must complete a summer reading assignment. 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.

English 11, Academic
(Prerequisite: "C" average in Academic English10, "B" average in General English 10, or teacher recommendation)
The course includes a survey of American literature, advanced grammer, vocabulary, the research paper, College Board seminar, the novel and analytical/critical composition work. The course is designed for college-bound students who exhibit proficiency in language arts and who aspire to higher education. A research paper on a literary topic is required. Students will also prepare for the PSSA. 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.

English 11, Comprehensive (Prerequisite: Successful completion of 10th grade English)
This course explores various methods of using the English language to communicate effectively, including writing, speaking, and listening. The development of grammer and vocabulary skills is also a component of this course. A variety of primarily American literature selections is provided, such as the novel, poetry, drama, and short story. A research paper on a general topic is required. Students will also prepare for the PSSA. 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.

Advanced Placement English 12
(B-average Honors or Academic English 11, Teacher Recommendation)
A course for talented seniors, this class will follow the Advanced Placement Curriculum Guide. This course requires independent research and will concentrate on advanced studies of composition and literature, i.e., poetry, drama, short story, and the novel. Course objectives include preparation for the College Board Advanced Placement Examination for possible college credit, and improving students' skills in critical reading, and composition at the freshman college level as well as literary analysis in all genres. Active participation in oral discussions is required. A research paper on a literary topic is required. Students must complete a summer reading assignment. 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.

English 12, Academic
(C-average Academic or Honors English 11, B-average Comprehensive English 11, Teacher Recommendation)
This course follows a survey of English literature which emphasizes critical reading of selected works from A.D. 449 to the present, as well as written literary analysis of selected works. A research paper on literary topic is required. Participation in class discussions and group activities is also required. 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.

English 12, Comprehensive
(Prerequisite: Successful completion of 9th, 10th and 11th grade English)
This course continues an exploration of various methods of using the English language to communicate effectively, including writing, speaking, and listening. The development of grammer and vocabulary skills is also a component of this course. A variety of world and British literature selections is provided, such as the novel, poetry, drama, and short story. A major research paper on a general topic is required. 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.
 
SAT Preparation
This elective course is designed to provide students with the skills needed to succeed in the PSAT, SAT, and PSSA tests. This course is designed for students who are college-bound or who have a genuine interest in performing well on the standardized tests. The course will involve test preparation and test taking strategies, and will cover the verbal an dthe math curricular areas. Students will spend one marking period on the verbal skills and one marking period on the math skills. This course is open to all students but has been implemented specifically for sophomores and juniors. 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.