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English (Language Arts)

The School of Choice teaches literature and history mainly by means of Socratic-style discussion with brief lectures. We break our classes up into workshops to teach the most technical facets of language: vocabulary, grammar, test-taking skills and text-editing. We give students the smallest classes or groups possible for individualized writing workshops. Teachers of art, science, computers, math and PE all teach writing as well as the English teachers -- who then have time to emphasize fine literature. By requiring writing and active thinking in every class, students learn to write college-level (AP) essays by the ninth or tenth grades.

In most schools, students are not taught even the eight parts of speech, nor do they learn the vocabulary necessary to prepare them adequately for high school or college-level reading. Group lessons reinforce rapid vocabulary growth—up to fifty words per week from progressively more challenging books. Students begin vocabulary and grammar books at one of four levels determined by testing. Then they advance according to their progress, not their age or grade, to progressively higher levels. Verb tenses, modifiers, gerunds and participles, diagramming and stylistic analysis are all part of the curriculum.

In addition to reading assignments in the World Civilizations Program, the Language Arts Program offers more contemporary literature. Examples are a useful non-fiction book such as The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens or a fun and edifying story from The Book of Virtues. For this reason, students are assigned reports and oral presentations about the books they read and appreciate, frequently books they choose with our guidance. We award reading points (based on the "Lexile" system) to make sure that students choose appropriate, but progressively more challenging texts as they increase in proficiency. Students read now to qualify for leadership later.

Our approach to language arts produces creative thinkers with commanding scores on the SAT I Verbal tests, based on skills we teach throughout the year, especially vocabulary development and reading comprehension. The SAT II tests students’ grammar and writing.

Levels I and II

At these levels, the focus is on the facts of grammar and vocabulary, with free reading of age-appropriate books with lexiles of at least 900 in the sixth grade (e.g. Julie of the Wolves) and 1000 (e.g. Black Beauty) or 1100 (e.g. Pride and Prejudice) in the seventh grade. Basic argumentation and logic are introduced at this level.

Level III

Students enjoy learning all subjects more when they have mastered the basics of English expression. At this level, the language arts course includes formal logic and research paper writing, then formal debate, public speaking or drama in addition to more advanced grammar (including diagramming) and vocabulary enhancement. Students will be expected to choose from books with Lexiles of 1100 (Pride and Prejudice) to 1400 (The Scarlet Letter) because such assignments prepare them for SAT or AP level work. Work with the computer teacher introduces them to electronic publishing techniques.

Communications: Speech, Drama, Debate, Reasoning

At this level, students take two quarters of speech, debate or drama in addition to further study of vocabulary and argumentative reasoning. In past years, we have held large debates with dozens of students and have performed the plays "Les Miserables" and "A Comedy of Errors" to broad acclaim. Our public speakers have won contests against teams from other schools with the Optimist Club.

Advanced Linguistic Training: "The Nuts and Bolts of the English Language"

Students take a course on the "Nuts and Bolts of the English Language" which gives them extended practice in grammar, SAT test-taking, vocabulary and literary style. Much of this is based upon Mr. Arne's experience with Dr. Joseph Williams' University of Chicago writing seminar called "The Little Red Schoolhouse. Grades ten through twelve will have a period in place of this class to accommodate electives or a study period. High school grammar is required each year, unless the student takes and passes a yearly exam.

Advanced Literature, Language and Composition Classes

Our students, the future leaders of America, must know how to read, write, speak and think for themselves; on this, our liberty depends. Students may take high school level English classes through their senior year to fulfill graduation and A to G requirements, but we strongly encourage them to take the following AP classes:

The AP English Literature and Composition course gives students the analytical tools and factual knowledge needed to pass a challenging college-level examination. Students will learn to assess literary materials-novels, plays, short srories and poetry--with interpretive arguments. Students will prepare for university-level work by doing University-level work, but with the individualized attention that is possible in small classes and with a year rather than a term to prepare themselves. By doing so, they will improve their prospects of attending outstanding universities and move forward in units within those universities as they improve their reading and writing abilities and gain confidence in their capacity to serve as leaders.

The AP English Language and Composition course gives students the analytical tools and factual knowledge needed to pass a challenging college-level examination. Students will learn to assess literary materials-the greatest essays in biography, journalism, political philosophy and science--with interpretive arguments. They will analyze rhetoric and style. Students will prepare for university-level work by doing University-level work, but with the individualized attention that is possible in small classes and with a year rather than a term to prepare themselves. By doing so, they will improve their prospects of attending outstanding universities and move forward in units within those universities as they improve their reading and writing abilities and gain confidence in their capacity to serve as leaders.