Bridging the gap between “learning to read” and “reading to learn” through creative expression and foundational grammar. Our Literature & Composition courses integrate reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking, and writing in a literature-rich format.

• Literature & Composition 4/5: A gentle yet structured bridge into the world of literary analysis, where young writers move from basic sentences to cohesive paragraphs through the lens of classic children’s stories.
• Literature & Composition 5/6: An upper-elementary mastery course that sharpens critical thinking and narrative voice, preparing students for the increased writing stamina and deeper thematic discussions of middle school.

At the 4th–6th grade level, we prioritize “Low Friction, High Feedback.” Our instructors focus on building a love for stories first, which naturally lowers the anxiety many young students feel when facing a blank page.

Students can continue through the Literature and Composition track, or use the English Foundations track when they need a more supportive bridge in grammar, composition, literature, and vocabulary. Students who thrive with imaginative writing and literary analysis will find the Creative Writing track a strong option.

As students move into the 9th and 10th-grade years, the focus shifts from “learning to write” to “writing to argue.” Our high school courses emphasize rhetoric, evidence, and college-readiness.

• Literature & Composition 8/9: The essential transition into high school analysis, where students move beyond simple plot summaries to craft sophisticated, thesis-driven essays across a variety of literary genres.
  • Honors level available
  • Optional Language Arts Lab available
• English Foundations 3: A high-school-level “mechanics” intensive designed to polish grammar, sentence variety, and organizational logic for students who have strong ideas but need a more structured approach to formal writing.

In our 8th-10th grade tracks, we move from “What happened?” to “Why does it matter?” Our instructors provide the detailed, line-by-line feedback that is often missing in traditional settings, ensuring students enter their junior and senior years with a professional, academic voice.

Students explore literature and writing through courses that fit their strengths and interests, while developing the advanced thinking and communication skills needed for AP and college-level work.

Our AP® tracks are College Board-audited courses designed for the ambitious student ready to engage with university-level texts and rigorous academic research. These courses provide the high-level analytical tools and formal writing stamina needed to excel in competitive college environments.

• AP® Seminar: A foundational research course that challenges students to explore complex, real-world issues through cross-curricular inquiry, collaborative teamwork, and formal evidence-based presentations.
  • This course is part of the AP Capstone Diploma program. We will be adding AP Research next year to complete the program.
• AP® English Language & Composition: An intensive study of rhetoric and persuasion, where students learn to deconstruct non-fiction texts and craft powerful, sophisticated arguments for a professional audience.
  • Three sections of this course are offered.
    • AP English Language & Composition with Lili Serbicki (two sections offered)
    • AP English Language & Composition with Kristen Steen (she will offer AP Research next year)
• AP® English Literature & Composition: The pinnacle of literary study, focusing on the meticulous close reading of imaginative literature to uncover the deep-seated themes and stylistic choices that define the human experience.