Upper St. Clair High School

English Department

Curriculum Leader - Ms. Melissa Tungate - ext. 2233
English Department Aide - Mrs. Helena Barinas - ext. 2357

The English department at the high school offers a comprehensive program focused on meeting the individual needs of the students. This program, at each level 9-12, provides all of the basic English skills fortified with reading and study skills. All courses are college preparatory that incorporate literature, writing, speaking and research skills in a sequenced pattern in grades 9-12. The honors program, culminating with the advanced placement classes on the twelfth grade level, is a rigorous and challenging program designed to develop analytical skills as well as advanced level writing and speaking skills. Students have the option to take the AP exams at the end of the year. Students also have the option to take International Baccalaureate courses, Middle Years Program in ninth and tenth grades and Diploma Program in eleventh and twelfth grades. The IB- DP course is considered a two-year course with multiple assessments throughout the two years, including an exam at the end of twelfth grade. 

In addition to the basic English curriculum, the department offers a variety of electives for the further enrichment of the students. These electives include Creative Writing, Multi-media Journalism, Speech, and Video.