iSierra Online Academy

English 1

English 1 introduces informational and literary genres while building critical reading and analytical writing skills. Students analyze essays, speeches, articles, historical documents, novels, plays, poetry, and short stories, exploring elements of literature and nonfiction. They develop writing skills by formulating arguments, using textual evidence, and responding to claims. Listening and speaking skills are enhanced through media analysis, discussions, presentations, and sharing work.The course supports students in mastering Common Core requirements through close reading, guided instruction, and scaffolding. Students practice narrative, argumentative, and explanatory writing in journals, discussions, free responses, essays, and presentations. Assessments are designed to prepare them for the depth and rigor of Common Core evaluations.

English 1 Honors

Introduction to Literature and Composition covers literature study, reading, writing, and language. Students explore literature from around the world, including the following genres: short story, poetry, memoir, autobiography, drama, and epic. They read examples of informational writing, such as a letter, Web site, magazine article, newspaper article, speech, editorial, and movie or book review. Along the way, they acquire and practice reading skills and strategies that are directly applicable to these literary and informational reading materials. In addition, students develop and practice writing and language skills. They employ the writing process to create narrative, expository, and persuasive compositions. They also learn to create and evaluate media presentations and oral presentations and to fine-tune their listening skills.

English 2

English 2 strengthens critical reading and analytical writing skills. Students explore investigative journalism, essays, articles, historical documents, novels, drama, poetry, and short stories, analyzing elements of literature and nonfiction. They refine arguments and organize evidence while enhancing listening and speaking skills through media analysis, discussions, presentations, and collaborative work.The course deepens understanding and higher-order skills aligned with Common Core standards. Using close reading, guided instruction, and scaffolding, students connect lesson concepts to anchor texts. Writing and speaking are practiced through journals, discussions, free responses, essays, and presentations, focusing on narrative, argumentative, and explanatory styles. Assessments prepare students for the rigor of Common Core evaluations.

English 2 Honors

Critical Reading and Effective Writing offers a balanced curriculum that develops both academic and life skills. Concepts are presented in creative and lively ways that reinforce learning goals and engage students. Literary selections include short fiction and poetry from around the globe, Shakespearean and modern drama, and contemporary novels. Nonfiction selections feature historical correspondence, diaries, logs, and famous courtroom arguments. Life reading skills target forms, applications, and work-related communication. 

Throughout both semesters, students build active reading strategies as they question, predict, clarify, and evaluate events and ideas presented in text.  The writing program builds confidence in young writers by targeting control of organization, effective sentences, and word choice. Students compose using the writing process. Grammar review and vocabulary development are included in every unit.

English 3

English 3 examines the belief systems, events, and literature that have shaped the United States. Students study the language of independence, the role of government, and the ideas of Romantics and Transcendentalists on individual power and responsibility. They explore the American Dream, Modernist disillusionment, and the African American struggle for equal rights through works like those of Frederick Douglass and the Civil Rights Act. The course also examines the impact of war, cultural tensions, and technology on personal identity and freedom. Students analyze fiction and nonfiction, writing analytical essays, persuasive essays, narratives, and research papers. They develop speaking and listening skills through discussions and speeches while exploring how American literature reflects the diverse voices of a multicultural society.

English 3 Honors

English 3 Honors explores the belief systems, events, and literature that have shaped the United States. Students study the language of independence, government foundations, and how Romantics and Transcendentalists emphasized individual power and responsibility. They examine the American Dream, Modernist disillusionment, and African American struggles for equality through works like Frederick Douglass and the Civil Rights Act. The course also considers the impact of war, cultural tensions, and technology on identity and freedom. Students analyze fiction and nonfiction, writing analytical and persuasive essays, narratives, and research papers. Through discussions and speeches, they refine speaking and listening skills while exploring how American literature reflects the voices of a multicultural society.

English 4

English 4 explores British and world literature, examining how humanity defines the unknown, the monstrous, and the heroic. Through works like The Odyssey, Beowulf, The Inferno, The Tempest, and WWII rhetoric, students analyze how heroism and monstrosity are defined across cultures and time. Frankenstein and literature from the British Empire’s imperial period highlight inner monstrosity and the potential darkness in cultural dominance. Students analyze fiction and nonfiction, writing analytical essays, persuasive essays, narratives, and research papers. They develop speaking and listening skills through discussions and speeches, gaining insight into how literature reflects the voices shaping our global identity.

AP English Language and Composition

AP English Literature and Composition