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English

In a rapidly changing world, words are constant.

At Penn Charter, students become clear and powerful writers, perceptive and critical readers, articulate speakers and active listeners. They formulate persuasive arguments, gather and synthesize information, and create and communicate clear ideas using innovative thinking.

My English classes at PC allowed me to speak freely and from a lens that others may not see from. I am most proud of my development in my ability to write about complex concepts and themes in a book. In other words, my writing is no longer basic and simple.

OPC '23

Lower School

The goal of the Lower School language arts program is to develop confident, imaginative and critical readers, writers, speakers and listeners.

  • Grounded in research-based practices, the literacy program builds strong foundational skills in reading, language comprehension and vocabulary through clear, engaging instruction.
  • Students apply these skills in meaningful tasks that promote critical thinking and connections across disciplines.
  • Writing instruction is fully integrated, strengthening both mechanics and composition — from fluent handwriting and spelling to idea development and organization.
  • Through direct instruction, small-group work, and individual conferencing, students learn the writing process and gain confidence communicating with a range of audiences and purposes.

Middle School

In Middle School, students experience a curriculum that features both choice books and units, as well as whole-class, shared-text instruction.

  • Sixth graders mix textual work and analytical writing with units where they pick the books they read.
  • Seventh graders cultivate in-depth reading skills, including annotation and are introduced to Shakespeare through Romeo & Juliet. 
  • Eighth graders participate in REAL Discussion, a research-informed program that helps schools teach real-world communication skills. Classrooms come alive as students formulate questions and lead their own small-group discussions. 

 

Upper School

In Upper School, students write in a variety of styles while engaging with a rich mix of texts — poetry and prose, fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary. Through close reading and thoughtful analysis, they build a strong foundation in language and expression.

  • At our faculty-staffed Writing Center, students can receive writing help for any subject in the curriculum and for college application essays.
  • In their last semester, seniors are able to take special-topic classes such as Caribbean Literature, Literature of Evil, and Literature of the Natural World.
  • American Studies is a team-taught course for 11th graders, featuring an adaptable course curriculum shaped by student interests, current global events and Quaker-based decision-making.
  • Students interested in fiction-writing or poetry, as well as those who want to try something new, can take creative writing electives.

 

Writing Center

The Writing Center is a welcoming space designed to support all members of the school community, with a special focus on students in grades 9–12. Staffed by faculty and peer tutors, the Writing Center offers personalized guidance at every stage of the writing process — from brainstorming and drafting to revising and refining.