British literature is the focus of the sophomore curriculum, with a heavy emphasis on works by William Shakespeare. Students continue their progress as critical readers, writers, and thinkers. The stress is on writing analytic literary essays, but students also practice expository and persuasive strategies in preparation for the ELA Regents. In addition to Shakespeare’s tragedies and comedies, students read works by Chaucer, Swift, Austen, Emily and Charlotte Bronte, Dickens, Hardy, Joyce, Wilde, Woolf, Huxley, Orwell, and various poets.

English 1 and 2 - The grammar and composition component is focused on the study of grammar components, literary texts, vocabulary, and other related skills with the main objective to hone written and verbal communication. Types of writing produced include: reading responses, reflective essays, personal narratives, literary essays, and creative assignments. Literature studied includes: plays by Sophocles, Shakespeare, and Wilson; novels by Salinger, Kingsolver, and Morrison; and a variety of non-fiction essays, short stories, myths, and poems.

English 1 Honors and English 2 Honors - Freshman Honors follows the freshman English curriculum at an accelerated pace with higher expectations and more required independent reading and writing.

Health focuses on the teaching of behaviors for healthy living. It covers topics such as personal hygiene, nutrition, and sex education. Mental, social and emotional health issues are addressed as they impact choices regarding the use, misuse, and abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.

Fiorello H. LaGuardia HS of Music & Art and Performing Arts
Joyce Otte