English

English I

This course is an integration of speech and world literature, with the emphasis on speech and oral communication. Students learn the basic techniques and concepts of public speaking and put them to use through several different speaking experiences. The research process is incorporated through one of the major speeches. Open to grade 9.

English II

Basic composition and British Literature are the basic components of English II. Students will read epic and lyric poetry, plays, essays and short stories. Creative, as well as transactional, writing is promoted with music, pictures, activities, theme suggestions, and are incorporated throughout the year in journal entries and other exercises which relate to areas of discussion. Students learn the mechanics of the research paper and write a six to eight page paper. Coverage of grammar and punctuation is a significant portion of the first semester curriculum. Open to grade 10. Prerequisite: English I.

Honors English II

Honors English II includes the same curriculum as English II; however, the material is covered at greater depth and at an increased pace. Students will also be expected to complete extra projects/reading/writing. Open to grade 10. Prerequisite is English I, application and teacher recommendation.

English III

English III is designed to teach advanced composition skills and provide the student with a broad understanding/overview of American literature from earliest Native American oral tales through modern short stories and poetry. Students will write formal essays, as well as develop creative expressions. They will be required to read from a list of books and make oral presentations. Grammar and vocabulary will comprise a significant portion of students’ work, as well. Through this course, students will develop the basic composition skills acquired in English II. Open to grade 11. Prerequisite: English II.

Honors English III

Honors English III includes the same curriculum as English III; however the material is covered at greater depth and at an increased pace. Students will also be expected to complete extra projects/reading/writing. Open to Grade 11. Prerequisite is English II, application and teacher recommendation.

English IV

This course is designed to allow students to prepare for college by writing formal essays and at least one research work and by reading and analyzing several valuable works of literature. Students will work on creative expressions by keeping a journal and writing poetry, informal essays, and stories. Grammar and vocabulary building will be stressed throughout the course. One main objective will be to provide students with the skills necessary to develop a Christian response to literature they encounter in college. Open to grade 12. Prerequisite: English III.

Honors English IV

Honors English IV develops the students’ English skills to a higher level, including in-depth writing, journalism and poetry work. This course also includes an extensive novel annotation and a strong debate unit to develop the student's ability to clearly reason, define and articulate his/her knowledge and beliefs. Open to grade 12. Prerequisite is English III, application and teacher recommendation.


Summer Reading Program
Reading is vital to learning and has been shown to increase students’ abilities in all subject matters. In fact, many universities request that students read an enormous amount of classic literature in preparation for college.  ACS is committed to preparing students for the spiritual and academic challenges they will face, both in their experiences here and at the next level – whether that be college or the workplace.  To that end, Independent/Summer Reading is a part of the English curriculum.

Every student will read THREE BOOKS: 

  • a classic novel,
  • a Christian book and a
  • biography/autobiography. 

The classic and Christian books have been selected by the English faculty and must be read/completed by Friday, August 27. The biography/autobiography will be chosen by each student and may be read during the summer or during Independent Reading Days (IRDs) first semester.  Each book has a different assessment format, to allow for different learning styles. Each assessment will be worth one test grade during 1st semester, and will follow a different format to incorporate different learning styles. 

For more detailed information about Summer Reading, download the forms below:

Summer Reading Information 2010-2010

Biography Rubric

Christian Book Rubric

Book Order Form