Some curriculum areas have a definite transition between elementary and high school. For example, Simply Smart’s Exploring Math is a very flexible, hands-on program, but in middle school we recommend students transition to a more traditional, structured format. Likewise, Simply Smart’s Experiencing Science allows students the flexibility to explore their world in virtually any order they want, using any learning activities that suit them. However, when they reach high school, we recommend they take traditional, academically rigorous courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

English, on the other hand, is a bit different. Once a student starts Simply Smart’s Discovering Language Arts program, which can be used as early as kindergarten, they do not really need to transition to anything else. Elementary Language Arts can be summarized as “Read, Read, Read. Write, Write, Write.” High School English can be summarized as “Read, Read, Read. Write, Write, Write.” So, what is the difference between what younger students have been doing for years and what they should be doing as high school students?

The short answer: Depth and Breadth.

Reading is a gradual continuum, from their first chapter books to reading substantial pieces of literature. Students move beyond simply understanding stories and begin engaging with literature as complex works of thought, language, and culture. The texts are demanding, not just because they are longer, but because they require analysis and interpretation (depth), and broad literary exposure (breadth). Students are no longer just reading books—they are studying literature.

There is also a writing continuum where students move beyond basic communication and begin producing writing that is analytical, persuasive, carefully structured, and intellectually sophisticated. Advanced writers demonstrate maturity in thinking, organization, language, and argument (depth) as well as the ability to write effectively across different forms and purposes (breadth).  Writing is no longer simply about expressing ideas clearly; it becomes a tool for examining complex topics, developing arguments, and engaging thoughtfully with ideas and evidence.

That is the endgame for high school english. Here’s how the game is played.

Common Progression for High School English

In high school, the following topics are typically studied:

• 9th Grade: English I (General literature and composition)
• 10th Grade: English II (World literature with writing)
• 11th Grade: American literature (Often includes research writing)
• 12th Grade: Senior English (British literature, or advanced composition)

However, there is considerable leeway in the content and order of courses taken. Typically, universities do not care much about the order classes are taken in, but you should check with any universities you plan on applying to. We prefer to integrate studying social studies and language arts in high school. We combine studying world history and literature. We also combine studying US history and literature.

Across the four years, students typically study three major areas.

1. Literature

Students should read complex, full-length works — not just excerpts — across time periods and genres. Reading should include classic and contemporary novels, plays (at least one full Shakespeare play), short stories, speeches, essays, poetry, and philosophical writings. It should include voices from different parts of the world, covering american, british, and world literature. Students should see how themes such as justice, freedom, power, and human nature recur across centuries and cultures.

2. Writing and Composition

Advanced writing moves beyond summary. Students interpret ideas and examine relationships between concepts. Students should be able to construct complex, well-supported arguments, write extended essays and research papers, analyze ideas and texts with sophistication, adapt their writing to different audiences and purposes, and revise and refine their work thoughtfully.  Students develop writing skills through assignments in the following categories:

• • • Expository: a factual, informative style designed to explain, define, summarize, inform, or instruct, rather than entertain or persuade.
    • Persuasive: persuade others to adopt a specific viewpoint
    • Creative: Original writing that expresses ideas and thoughts in an imaginative way, including narative and descriptive writing
    • Practical: Includes letters, emails, journals resumes, etc.

3. Grammar and Language Skills

English courses also include instruction in grammar and sentence structure, vocabulary development, editing and revision, and clear communication. Students should be able to participate in seminar-style discussions, give formal speeches, and engage respectfully with opposing viewpoints.

Course Suggestions & Resources

Writing Essays: There are a few textbooks we highly recommend for high school english. One book we encourage all students to complete, either in middle or high school, is Express Yourself in Written English, by Frederick H. O’Connor. This course focuses on helping children to automate and quickly write compelling essays.

College Level Writing: We strongly recommend high school students take a college first-year writing course concurrently while in high school. A one-semester college class earns one full year of high school english credit and is transferable for college credit. This also takes the place of an AP class and credit. Check ahead to make sure the course fills a requirement for your major or general education requirements at the university you plan to attend.

Literature Anthologies: While optional, some students may want to use a literature anthology for studying in high school. For a Christian based approach, Abeka provides the following anthologies: Themes in Literature (9th Grade), World Literature (10th Grade), American Literature (11th Grade) & British Literature (12th Grade).

Integrated Language Arts & History: Use Simply Smart’s Digging Into History  course to integrate classic literature and writing projects into both world and US history. Students can also continue to use the following Simply Smart resources to study language arts while in high school:

• Launching Into Literature: classic literature that can carry a student all the way into adulthood
• Writers Corner: Study grammar and different styles of writing
• Words to Remember: Use poems, quotes and literary excerpts to examine how words are used to most effectively communicate ideas and practice dictation, narration, spelling, handwriting, grammar, editing, vocabulary, etc.
• Steller Speller: Allows children to practice spelling the specific words they are struggling with (use for as long as it is useful)

National History Day: While not a course, National History Day is a competition offered throughout the United States that we have found very helpful in developing research and writing skills. Children research a topic of choice relating to that year’s theme. The competition is designed to help children develop skills in communication, project management and critical thinking. Students can present their research using a variety of forms: a documentary film, exhibit, paper, theatrical performance, or website. Projects can be done individually, or with friends (except the paper, which must be done individually). The competition is available for grades 4th-12th (or in some states 6th-12th).