Concord's English Language Arts curriculum is designed to prepare students for success in college and careers. The four year sequential program, fully aligned with state standards, includes writing, reading, listening, speaking, and critical thinking. Electives in communication, publication, and creative writing supplement the required courses. Throughout the program, students learn to explore great ideas in literature, to think independently, to write with purpose, and to develop a sense of aesthetics.

GRADE 9
English 9 is an intensive course in literary genres and composition. Students develop reading skills by reading a variety of literary and non literary texts including novels, short stories, essays, poetry, and drama. Students also write in a variety of modes including informative, persuasive, and expressive. Students work towards improving sentence structure and variety, while developing style and voice. English 9 includes a review of basic grammar concepts, and students are expected to employ proper grammar and punctuation in all written work. All English 9 students complete a comprehensive research project. 

GRADE 10
English 10 builds upon the 9th grade curriculum in literary genres and composition. In reading, special emphasis is given to memoirs and non-literary texts as well as traditional texts such as novels, short stories, dramas, and poetry. In writing, special emphasis is placed upon developing critical, analytical, and research skills. Sophomores are introduced to the MLA (Modern Language Association) style sheet and its application to reference and research work while completing a course culminating debate project.