Each year, students explore and discuss novels, short stories, poetry and plays. Students frequently write creative and expository compositions. They review mechanics and areas of content through teacher feedback and peer editing. At all levels, students receive additional instruction in vocabulary enrichment, spelling and grammar. Just as connections are made across subject areas in the Lower and Middle Schools, the English Department in the Upper School coordinates a portion of its program with the Social Studies Department.
Independent reading is considered an important part of the curriculum.
The Upper School history curriculum coordinates exposure to various cultures and periods in world history with geography lessons. Throughout the years, students are taught methods of inquiry and are asked to put themselves in historical context in order to understand the motivations of past actors and actions. Class discussions, debates, writings and student presentations are integral to the course and help students better understand diverse perspectives. During grade nine, students are immersed in an interdisciplinary course where they explore the world of history not only through the traditional medium of primary and secondary text sources but also through the world of literature. Within the course, students focus on the role of the individual and his or her place in the larger community.