2025-26 TA Program of Studies | Page 26

SENIORS

In twelfth grade , seniors engage with literature while preparing for life beyond high school . They focus on essential skills for their next steps and cultivate habits of mind that foster lifelong resilience and learning .

Senior English

1 Credit Prerequisite : Teacher recommendation

Senior English is a comprehensive and thoughtprovoking course that seeks to elevate students ' critical thinking abilities , reading and writing skills , and literary appreciation in preparation for their transition to higher education and beyond . This course will utilize 20th- and 21st-century fiction and nonfiction texts to explore the link between culture and personal identity , aiding students in identifying their core values as they transition from high school . The course emphasizes advanced writing techniques , encouraging students to express themselves articulately and persuasively through various genres , including argumentative and literary essays , creative pieces , and research projects .

Senior English Honors

1 Credit

Prerequisite : Junior English Honors or AP Language & Composition , or teacher recommendation

This accelerated and demanding course aims to enhance reading , writing , and literature discussion skills , Senior Honors English is an accelerated , intellectually stimulating , and demanding advanced course designed to challenge high-achieving seniors as they refine their critical thinking , analytical , reading , writing , and communication skills .

By exploring complex literary texts , including classic and contemporary works , students will engage in rigorous student-centered discussions to continue developing communication and analysis skills . The course strongly emphasizes fostering independent thought and honing advanced writing techniques , with students producing sophisticated essays , research papers , and creative projects .

Senior English for the Real World

1 Credit Prerequisite : Teacher recommendation

This course is tailored for students intending to enter the workforce , military , vocational programs , or community college immediately after graduation . The curriculum involves reading fiction and non-fiction to foster the writing and critical thinking skills essential for navigating the adult world . The course will also delve into students ' post-graduation plans , actively seeking to identify , nurture , and refine their goals . Significant topics include personal identity , lifestyle and careers , societal issues , and research .

AP Literature and Composition

1 Credit

Prerequisite : Junior English Honors or AP Language & Composition , or teacher recommendation

Advanced Placement Literature and Composition is a rigorous and comprehensive course designed for highly motivated and academically advanced students . This course challenges students to explore literature from various genres , time periods , and cultures , fostering a deep understanding of literary analysis and interpretation in student-led discussions . Students will engage with critical literary theory , enhancing their ability to analyze texts through various lenses . The course also emphasizes writing as a process and provides opportunities for learning new brainstorming and drafting techniques , peer feedback , and one-on-one teacher conferences . This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition exam while providing them with the intellectual tools necessary for success in college-level literature courses . Students will leave the course with tools , such as strategies for close reading , a thorough understanding of literary devices and techniques , and the confidence that they know how to build an original and defensible interpretation of any text .

In addition to the English courses offered above , Thornton Academy has a host of services and classes for Multilingual learners whether they are from our local communities or are a part of our residential life program . These offerings vary from year to year based on the academic needs of these students and help support their academic experience across our full curriculum while building English language proficiency and skills . School counselors and teachers assist with placement and progress .

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