Our Unique english curriculum
The mission of the English Department at Montrose School is to teach students the fundamentals of the English language as the basis for clear expression; to encourage in them confidence, clarity and depth in both oral and written communication; to promote self-reflection and creativity through the writing process; to assist students in developing the skills necessary for insightful literary analysis; to reinforce the character component of the school’s mission through the study of literature; to cultivate in young women an appreciation for, and love of, literature.Our faculty are teachers and scholars. They are well-read, well-traveled, lifelong learners with a wide range of interests. They teach, write and present for audiences outside Montrose School.
OUR ENGLISH DEPARTMENT OFFERINGS
| 6 Literature |
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| This course introduces students to active reading as they explore the power of the imagination with the help of classic stories. Students sharpen reading comprehension skills, develop a basic understanding of the elements of literature, and acquire the skills necessary for interpretation. Creative projects, annotation skills, and commonplace books help students respond to literature actively and thoughtfully. Classroom discussion and role plays encourage students to recognize and evaluate the essential questions suggested by novels, poetry, and supplemental nonfiction. The joy of active reading and discussion provides students with the foundation for critical analysis required in upper level courses. |
| 6 Language Arts |
| This course provides students with a strong foundation for the communication of ideas in both their academic and daily lives. It integrates the building blocks of written expression: grammar, mechanics, usage, writing, and spelling. Students apply the writing process to narrative, descriptive, and expository writing. The main goal of the course is to have students learn to write paragraphs that are well constructed and mechanically sound; at the same time they develop their understanding of short stories and poetry through their writing. As students internalize the basic elements of writing, they grow into strong writers not only in English but in other subjects as well. |
| 7 Literature |
| In 7th grade, students encounter and analyze a variety of literary genres, including novels, poetry, and a Shakespeare play through the lens of the essential question, "How do characters overcome obstacles?" Through close reading, vocabulary acquisition, and group discussion, students evaluate the virtues and vices of protagonists and antagonists, applying lessons learned from these characters to their own lives. Students are introduced to the analytical response to literature through reading and responding to autobiography, historical fiction, dystopia, and comedy. Students engage in reflective writing assignments that require them to think critically about the text and develop their own opinions based on textual evidence they have curated during active reading. Ultimately, students are able to compare and contrast characters across the novels and plays they encounter to uniquely and authentically answer the essential question. |
| 7 Language Arts |
| 7th grade Language Arts builds on the studies from grade 6 to form strong writing, reading and speaking skills. Lessons on the rules for grammar, usage and style help young writers develop effective writing skills. Students complete a comprehensive sentence diagramming program, which supports their study of English grammar. Lessons on vocabulary with Greek and Latin roots add to students' palette of words and help them prepare for Latin I in Eighth Grade. Writing lessons begin with focused paragraphs and move to multi-paragraph narratives, as well as descriptive and expository assignments. Learning to write a five-paragraph literary essay is woven throughout the 7th grade Language Arts curriculum. It prepares students for the analytical writing they will further practice in 8th grade. Grounded in the study of short stories, students learn to establish and defend a thesis statement, select and integrate relevant textual evidence, and use proper MLA formatting and organization. Other signature writing projects include writing their own short stories and a narrative biographical sketch of an elder. |
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8 English |
| English 8 is the study of stories: those we read, those we tell, those we write. Through their study of literature, composition, and vocabulary, students work to improve their skills as readers, writers, and speakers of English. The goals of this course are to foster an advanced appreciation of literature, build a strong foundation for writing, and develop critical thinking skills. Students solidify their own voices through class discussion, oral presentations, creative writing, literary analysis, and Socratic Seminars. Students wrestle with essential questions focused on love, sacrifice and heroism, make cross-curricular connections, and engage in authentic dialogue. Armed with experience in expository, comparison/contrast and creative writing, students prepare for the rigors of upper school and beyond. A signature writing project in 8th grade is the Autobiographical Portfolio, for which students write reflective, creative, and analytical pieces based on their own lives. |
| 9 Genres of Literature |
| This 9th grade English course helps students build a strong foundation for upper school success by combining the study of classic texts with a focus on analytical writing. Through a variety of literary genres such as the novel, poetry, short fiction, drama, and accompanying nonfiction pieces, students engage in penetrating discussions about essential questions such as: What does it mean to be truly free? What is the character of true love? Why is trust essential to community flourishing? What is a good leader, and how can we foster a sense of community even in the midst of challenges? How does what we read affect the development of our character in a free society? While students also explore a variety of creative writing genres, they focus primarily on analytical skills that help them develop their writing voice to meet the demands of argumentative logic, careful research, and scholarly tone. Grammar review focuses on building mastery and deepening connections between grammatical understanding and quality writing. Students also continue to build vocabulary from classical roots to support critical reading and writing skills. |
| 10 British Literature |
| This 10th grade English course expands beyond the traditional sequence of period classification: it embraces interdisciplinary connections with the Modern European history course and explores universal themes that transcend individual texts and are woven throughout the humanities curriculum. Students explore such questions as: To whom does man owe primary loyalty? How do individuals experience redemption through their brokenness? How does one assess appearances vs. reality among friends, social groupings, spouses and nations? What is the proper vs. improper use of power? This course helps students engage in literary conversations by unpacking literary devices, decoding symbolic language, and unfolding insights through classic texts that provoke deep reflection and engaging discussions. Students also work to refine their writing style for a variety of literary and research challenges while maintaining scholarly tone. |
| 11 American Literature |
| This 11th grade course explores diverse American experiences and helps students understand the complexities of American identity. Through a study of American classics from a variety of time periods and regions, students reflect on the solidarity as well as plurality of American cultures. Drawing on works of fiction and non-fiction texts, students examine the cultural and historical roots of American Literature. Students are presented with a variety of writing challenges that require them to draw on the close reading of texts and to connect themes across texts examined in the course. Students also develop sound research practices and learn to create scholarly and well-developed arguments that effectively integrate evidence in their writing. |
| 11 AP Language and Composition |
| The AP Language and Composition course is designed for eligible juniors who have demonstrated readiness for college-level reading and writing. A study of rhetoric complements exploration of texts recognized as American classics as well as some modern works of fiction and non-fiction. Study centers around four major units: women, civics, race, and the use of resources. Writing focuses on AP essay skills for rhetorical analysis, synthesis and argumentative writing, and includes research projects that culminate in a major research paper, as required by the College Board. All students in this class take the AP exam in May. |
| 12 Modern Literature |
| The Modern Literature course spans the Renaissance contributions of Dante and Shakespeare and puts them in conversation with 20th and 21st century postwar and postcolonial literature and poetry. Students extend reading and writing skills for college-level study, including a focus on complex argumentative and comparative literary analyses. The fall semester is organized around the theme of the Inferno; paired texts include Heart of Darkness, Cry the Beloved Country, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Hamlet. The Spring semester follows a redemptive cycle, with students studying the Purgatorio alongside Peace Like a River and In My Hands: The Story of a Holocaust Survivor. |
| 12 AP Literature and Composition |
| The AP Literature and Composition Course is designed as a college level course for eligible seniors who love to read challenging literature. Students are exposed to a variety of genres from the classics of the western literary tradition, through which they refine their understanding of literary and rhetorical devices as well as types of argumentation. Students uncover truths about human freedom while growing in self-knowledge and by analyzing and debating enduring questions on the conditions and virtues of a flourishing society. They sharpen their deep reading skills for AP multiple-choice style questions while developing their analytical writing skills through a variety of argumentative and reflective essays modeled on AP writing prompts. All students in this course take the AP exam in May. |
Imagine yourself here . . .
Stepping into an English classroom at Montrose invites you into a deep conversation with great writers who use curiosity and imagination to make sense of the human condition. You'll explore life’s essential questions, encounter a wide range of human experiences, and refine your own moral compass.
As you learn to read and write like a scholar, you will:
- Build a strong foundation in grammar and vocabulary, master the analytical essay, and explore narrative, descriptive, research, and poetic styles.
- Learn to read like a miner, uncovering the hidden gems writers embed in their work: literary devices, figurative language, and rhetorical strategies that illuminate meaning.
- Think expansively and flexibly, with an ear for subtlety and complexity.
- Write with clear reasoning and stylistic flair, guided by our grade-level “Characteristics of Writing Excellence” standards, which prepare you for success in college and beyond.
- Strengthen your voice through attentive listening, choosing your words with clarity and charity in dialogue with classical and modern texts.
Over the years, you will read great books of British and American literature and graduate confident to engage any text and meet any writing challenge. As you enter the lives of characters and cultures that expand your horizons, you will grow in practical wisdom and in the ability to choose well amid life’s challenges.
English Faculty
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Victoria
Caranti
Faculty, Coach
Department:
English
B.A., Spanish/Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Dallas
M.A., Theology, Pontifical University of the Holy Cross
M.A., Theology, Pontifical University of the Holy Cross
Anna
Ivanov
Faculty
Department:
English
B.A., Russian Studies, Linguistics, Data Science, Macalester College
M.A., Slavic Languages & Literature, Harvard University
Ph.D., Slavic Languages & Literature, Harvard University (in process)
M.A., Slavic Languages & Literature, Harvard University
Ph.D., Slavic Languages & Literature, Harvard University (in process)
Jenn
Prince
Faculty, 8th Grade Dean
Department:
English
B.A., Literature, Smith College/Hampshire College
M.B.A., Boston University
Certificate in College Counseling, University of California San Diego
M.B.A., Boston University
Certificate in College Counseling, University of California San Diego
Mary Jane
Rice
Faculty
Department:
English
B.A., Wellesley College
M.A.T., Boston University
M.A.T., Boston University
Beata
Vale
Faculty, Department Coordinator
Department:
English
Mag., English and American Studies, Paris Lodron Universitat Salzburg
M.A., German literature, Paris Lodron Universitat Salzburg
M.A., German literature, Paris Lodron Universitat Salzburg
Laura
Vale
Faculty
Department:
English
B.A., Music, Baylor University
M.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction, Baylor University
M.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction, Baylor University