English

The Middle School Language Arts Program reflects Notre Dame’s commitment to the “whole child” by using a variety of teaching and assessment techniques. In grades sixth-eighth, students experience various literary genres and essay styles in order to develop fundamental 21st-century critical thinking and writing skills.

As part of the Academy’s goal to foster a love of reading in each student, outside reading is integrated into English courses. Students read and analyze their chosen works to demonstrate their comprehension and analytical skills.

All Upper School students continue to develop their reading comprehension, writing and vocabulary skills through written compositions and oral presentations.

Ninth grade students are exposed to a variety of writing styles and genres in their study of World Literature, while the tenth grade curriculum focuses on major British authors and movements. In eleventh grade, analysis and literary interpretation are stressed as students develop an understanding of the major movements in American Literature. For Twelfth grade students, Women and Literature aims to expand students’ understandings of women’s experiences as expressed by male and female writers from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

All seniors participate in a Senior Capstone Project; an experiential and research-based project of their choice. Honors and Advanced Placement courses are available in grades 10, 11, and 12.