Department+Philosophy

**Grades 5-12 **
 * English Department **

The English Department is committed to fostering understanding of, appreciation for, and skill development in the primary forms of communication: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The Department furthers the development of critical and analytical thinking.
 * Philosophy **

Upper School students will:
 * Goals **
 * Think clearly;
 * Speak confidently, articulately, and persuasively;
 * Listen carefully and purposefully;
 * Read accurately, perceptively, critically, and analytically canonical and non-canonical literature;
 * Extend vocabulary to enhance reading comprehension and exactness in writing;
 * Write with clarity, logic, creativity, and flexibility;
 * Access, analyze, and use information;
 * Learn basic grammar and the conventions of usage;
 * Use technology tools to enhance collaboration and communication.


 * Language Arts Department **


 * Lower School (Grades 1-4) **

**Philosophy**

The Lower School Language Arts Department believes that students best acquire skills through a balanced language and literacy program. These skills are taught through an integrated, literature-based, holistic approach that reflects students’ developmental needs and interests.

Goals

ü Ultimately our students will read to learn and develop oral and written communication skills. More specifically they will:

ü Develop oral language expression and reading skills;

ü Demonstrate measurable growth in language arts through formal and informal assessments;

ü Self-select appropriate literature from a variety of genres reflecting individual interests and abilities;

ü Learn decoding skills and reading comprehension strategies;

ü Develop an appreciation of literature;

ü Understand and practice the mechanics and phases of the writing process;

ü Master high frequency spelling words at their grade levels;

ü Actively listen in a variety of settings