American Literature & Composition

American Literature invites students to explore the foundational beliefs and modern movements that have influenced our great democratic experiment. During weekly 75- to 90-minute meetings over two 15-week semesters, students discuss literature that offers a range of viewpoints from the famous men and women who contributed to the melting pot of American ideals. Students hone their grammar and mechanics skills with a context-based workbook. The tutorial requires weekly note taking. Students demonstrate their learning through weekly assignments, essays, and projects.

Students who wish to pursue honors credit will create a customized path from a set of provided options. An assortment of additional titles along with deeper, more complex assignments will be available.

2026-2027 Day/Time

Not scheduled for 2026-2027. If you have a group of five or more students and are interested in a customized class, please contact Mrs. Craven.

Booklist
  • The Crucible by Arthur Miller  (pdf available)
  • American Poets, selected poems (provided)
  • An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott (pdf available)
  • Emerson & Thoreau, selected essays (provided)
  • Mark Twain, short stories (provided)
  • Ramona by Helen Hunt Jackson
  • Our Town by Thornton Wilder (pdf available)
  • The Pearl by John Steinbeck (pdf available)
  • Famous American Speeches (provided)
  • To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  • The Chosen by Chaim Potok
  • The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway  (pdf available)
  • Student Choice: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Divergent by Veronica Roth, or The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
  • Editor in Chief, Level 2 or Level 3 by Critical Thinking Company (depending on experience)
Grade Levels

This tutorial is suggested for students in Grades 9-12. Contact Mrs. Craven if you have questions regarding placement.

Platform

The tutorial uses the Google Classroom interface along with Zoom for live meetings.

Tuition

$500. Approved Arizona ESA vendor.

Registration

Not scheduled for 2026-2027. If you have a group of five or more students and are interested in a customized class, please contact Mrs. Craven.