Students in grades seven through twelve complete a syllabus based on New York State standards which integrates reading, writing, listening, speaking, literature and language. The basic concepts in each of these strands are introduced to students during their elementary education and higher order application of those skills are reinforced in succeeding grade levels. While the dominant emphasis of the program is on a development of skills based on prior learning, actual instruction is predicated on a student’s instructional need at any given moment.

AIS (Academic Intervention Services) and SIS (Supportive Instructional Services) in reading and writing are provided as a regular part of the English program for appropriate grade levels in each school. The district's AIS program provides additional services for those students who score below Level 3 on the Terra Nova exam or ELA 8 assessment. To keep pace with modern technology, students are also provided Computer Assisted Instruction, which involves students in the writing process and language study. The Grade 8 ELA state assessment is given each spring. Students also take a comprehensive Regents examination in English at the end of the eleventh grade. This is required for graduation. Many students are then prepared for the Advanced Placement English exam in the twelfth grade.

In addition to required English courses, a number of semester electives provide an opportunity for many of the students to be engaged in associated language arts skills areas such as public speaking or journalism. A description of reading course offerings appears on page 27 of the course offerings booklet.