The dynamic curriculum of the language arts department is multi-faceted. It is a comprehensive study of literature, grammar, vocabulary, and writing. Students are immersed in literature:  reading, writing, and performing the genres of both classic and young adolescent.  Included in the program is a focus on short stories, poetry, drama, and the novel.  Emphasis is placed on the study of grammar, mechanics, usage, and the writing process.  The skills of reading comprehension and vocabulary development are ongoing.

The study of vocabulary is accomplished through skill-oriented practice. This curriculum examines words with four main purposes: (1) to help students learn new words, (2) to give students a better understanding of how words are formed and used, (3) to give students some information about the etymology of words, and (4) to give students the opportunity to use a dictionary and thesaurus.

Spelling is addressed in several formats. Spelling rules, exceptions, and homonymic structure are discussed and incorporated into written assignments and vocabulary. Content in these areas is enhanced with proofreading, spelling accountability, and drafting requirements that expect sound spelling results.

Composition is taught at all levels in middle school and practiced frequently. Students are encouraged to write individually, with partners, and in groups. Students learn descriptive, persuasive, expository, creative, and narrative styles of writing and are given the opportunity to practice these throughout the year. Emphasis is placed on creating diverse, well-constructed sentences and logically organized paragraphs. Students practice writing creative topic sentences and conclusions. In addition to formal assignments, they are also required to keep a journal.

One reason for teaching grammar in middle school is to provide students with grammatical terminology needed for discussing correct usage and correct punctuation and for improving sentence structure. Grammar is taught in progressive steps through the three middle school years.

Literature is studied from the text and additional novels throughout middle school. Many genres are presented and studied; among them are short stories, novels, drama, poetry, nonfiction, and the epic. In order to understand these types of literature, literary terms are also reviewed.