English

The English Department is dedicated to helping all students improve their reading, composition, speaking, listening and thinking skills by analyzing and interpreting various types of literary genres, along with placing a heavy emphasis on grammatical and vocabulary development. Our approach is faith-based so that students may reflect on moral and ethical issues while making relevant connections to their lives. 

Each year, Holy Name participates in the Great Lakes Theater Festival’s High School Residency Program. For one week each, two professional actor-teachers from GLTF collaborate with American and British Literature classes in discussions, improvisations and performances to lead them to a better understanding of classic American drama.

When appropriate plays are performed at the theaters in Cleveland, we take our students on field trips to see them. Cleveland is a city alive with history and culture, and we are lucky to share in this community resource, especially with our students. 

All students will receive a writing portfolio freshmen year. Throughout their time at Holy Name, students will revise and edit their portfolio as well as document their improvements. All essays must be typed using the MLA format found in the HN Writing Handbook. Essays submitted past the deadline will be deducted 20% for each day late.

At the end of each year, students will take a comprehensive vocabulary test on the Princeton Review Hit Parade. You can use this list with the words and their definitions, or an alternative list using the words in sentences, to practice. These are the most frequently tested words on the SAT.