The purpose of the English program is the development of communication skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing) on both the practical and aesthetic levels.  At each grade, the emphasis in the required English course is on the sequential study of writing, literature, and language:

in writing - to develop the ability to express ideas in written form and for various purposes;

in literature - to develop the comprehension and interpretation of ideas in literary selections,  to provide experience with literary forms and literary criticism, and to develop an appreciation for texts of various genres and media; and

in language - to develop proficiency in the standard conventions of English. 

 To meet the varying needs and abilities of the students, the program makes use of a multi-text approach with a balance between classical and modern literary works.