High School ELA
Level 1: Foundations
Welcome to Level 1 English Language Arts — a complete curriculum designed for independent learners ready to think critically, write with purpose, and collaborate responsibly with AI.
Level 1 aligns with Grade 9 ELA standards, but we use “levels” rather than grades because learners come from different backgrounds and progress at different rates. A motivated 8th grader, a 9th grader on track, or a 10th grader building foundational skills might all thrive here.
Choose Your Unit
Each unit takes approximately 6 weeks at 3 hours per week.
How It Works
- Complete Unit 1 first — Learn CAPS prompting, voice preservation, and critical AI evaluation
- Complete Units 2, 3, and 4 — Work through them in any order based on your interests
- Build your portfolio — Document your growth across units
- Track your standards — Use the Parent Documentation Guide for transcripts
Completing all 4 units earns a full year of ELA credit.
Achievement Levels
🥉 Bronze (Target Level) — Core requirements completed (B)
🥈 Silver (Optional) — Extended reading and deeper analysis (A)
🥇 Gold (Optional) — Exceptional depth and portfolio-quality work (A+)
Want More Depth?
After completing a unit, students who want additional challenge can explore a related standalone project. These are optional — not required for Level 1 credit.
After Unit 1: Identity
Digital Identity (4 weeks, 13+) Build an authentic online presence while learning to maintain your voice in an AI world.
Standards addressed:
- Writing informative/explanatory texts for specific audiences
- Using technology to produce and publish writing
- Strategic use of digital media in presentations
Personal Story Collection (3 weeks, 12+) Interview family members and preserve stories that matter. Try the free mini-project first!
Standards addressed:
- Writing narratives with effective technique and detail
- Participating in collaborative discussions
- Evaluating a speaker’s perspective and reasoning
After Unit 2: Truth
AI Detective: Fact or Fiction (3 weeks, 13+) Learn to spot AI-powered scams and create detection tools to protect others.
Standards addressed:
- Citing textual evidence to support analysis
- Evaluating arguments, claims, and reasoning
- Conducting short research projects
- Presenting information clearly and logically
After Unit 3: Power
1984: 2+2=? (6 weeks, 16+) Analyze Orwell’s novel while developing skills to identify manipulation and think independently.
⚠️ Parent note: This project is designed for older high school students (16+). The novel contains psychological torture, manipulation, and sexual themes. Thematically it connects directly to Unit 3’s exploration of power, but students may benefit from waiting until they’ve completed Level 1 and have another year of maturity. Parents and students should review the project description together.
Standards addressed:
- Analyzing theme development and character motivation
- Determining author’s point of view and use of rhetoric
- Writing arguments with valid reasoning and evidence
- Drawing evidence from texts to support analysis
Resources
- Parent Documentation Guide — Standards tracking and transcripts (subscribers only)
- AI Safety Guide — Guidelines for responsible AI use
- Portfolio Guide — Documenting your learning
The Full Curriculum
Level 1 is the first year of a complete four-year high school ELA curriculum. Each level builds on the skills developed in the previous year.