AP Language and Composition, a course that challenges students to think critically and analyze fiction and nonfiction texts for rhetorical choices. The course focuses less on reading novels, but rather on analyzing how individuals deliver their message using a variety of tactics. AP English Language and Composition prepares students for college-level writing.
“I always encourage students to enroll in AP [Language and Composition],” AP Language and Composition teacher Alexandra Kim said. “I believe this course is the closest to a traditional college course. Because of this, I think students benefit from the structure of this class and the level in which we critically think.”
When Ms. Kim began teaching AP Lang, she accompanied another teacher, similar to AP Language and Composition teacher Gerad Jackson’s situation, to learn how the classroom works and soon took over teaching AP Language and Composition by herself. Now, Mr. Jackson follows suit of Ms. Kim.
“This is how I initially started teaching the course and having two teachers allows for meaningful collaboration about the activities and assignments,” Ms. Kim said. “It is nice having someone to bounce ideas off of and to also learn from.”
Mr. Jackson took on the role to teach alongside Ms. Kim because of the increased need for more AP Language and Composition teachers.
“What I like about teaching AP Language and Composition is the students are more accustomed to writing and analyzing written works, so our in-class conversations are more advanced,” Mr. Jackson said, “and it also allows me to grow my own skill set in regard to writing analytically and argumentatively.”
Mr. Jackson’s first year teaching AP Language and Composition starts with the 2025-26 school year. He previously taught on-level English III.
“It is a challenge to be teaching AP Language and Composition for the first time, as are most things worth doing that are new to us,” Mr. Jackson said. “Nonetheless, it is very exciting and my students make it very interesting.”
On May 13, 2026, the AP Language and Composition exam will take place in the gym for all students enrolled in the course. For students to receive college credit, they must score a three or above, depending on where they enroll for college.
“I am most looking forward to seeing the test results for the AP Language and Composition exam,” Mr. Jackson said. “I want to see all the college credit my students achieved for themselves and see areas in which I can improve my methods for future students.”
AP Language and Composition helps build comprehension skills in students and prepares them for college-level courses. Since the class heavily focuses on writing, students learn how to build strong arguments and strengthen their writing skills overall.
“I love the ability to reach as many students as possible. My No. 1 goal is to always help students improve intellectually and even socially and emotionally by the time they leave,” Ms. Kim said. “I think having more students in a class gives a good opportunity for quality growth and discussion as well.”
