Freshman English
(200 level)
1 credit
Ninth grade English Language Arts, a double period class, builds upon student’s prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing. Freshman English focuses on comprehension and composition of informational, literary, and persuasive texts, as well as on speaking, listening, research and critical reasoning skills. Scholars study various literary genres - novels, memoirs, plays, essays, poetry and nonfiction - to improve comprehension level, develop skills to determine an author’s intent and theme, and recognize the techniques used by an author to deliver his or her message. Students write in a variety of styles with a focus on structure, vocabulary and writing mechanics. In addition, they engage in meaningful discussions and oral presentations, as well as research and reasoning tasks. This course is to build a solid foundation of knowledge, skills, and strategies that will be refined, applied and extended as students engage in/with more complex ideas, texts, and tasks.
Freshman English
(300 level)
1 credit
This course is designed for scholars who have an above average command of language skills. Emphasis is placed on higher-level reading and writing activities.
Humanities - 9
Credit earned for Art, Freshman English and Global History
(200 level)
3 credits
The ninth grade Humanities course integrates Art, English, and Global History in a manner that fosters deeper understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to the content of the curriculum. The global history content of the course is the same as the content for Regents-level classes. Scholars who choose to take their Art, English, and Global History requirement through Humanities should expect an increased emphasis on reading, writing, critical thinking and independent research projects, while also developing artistic skills and an aesthetic appreciation, including portfolio assessment. A team of three faculty members, one from each department, teaches Humanities in a double period format. One unit of credit in Art, English, and Global History is awarded respectively from each department at each grade level.