For mature teens;
a-g approved for Grade 11/English 11 A & B
An English Honors course teaching college-prep writing and literature through history, music, film, and art. Chronicles will deepen students' knowledge and appreciation of our nation’s unique story, and help prepare them for college—and for life!
1:00 - 3:00 PST
on 14 Wednesdays beginning 1/28/26
Scroll down to read the Details and enroll.
In this English Honors course, students will listen to and connect with different groups in America throughout our nation’s history. The content is PG-13. A college-prep writing and literature course for mature teens, it's a-g approved for Grade 11/English 11 A & B, and is a designated Honors course.
Taking both the Fall and Spring semesters will meet the high school American Literature requirement through in-depth studies of literature, supplemented by history music, film, and art. It also meets California language arts standards (including essay writing), and many California history standards. Every month you’ll receive a list of California state standards met.
Customization Options
This course is designed to be flexible to fit the needs of each student/family.
Age: Younger high school students are welcome if they're up for college-prep rigor, OR if they choose the “modified” course track, which adjusts to the expectations of their grade level. (We also offer Foundations, our English course for younger teens, or for older kids who've already met their American Lit requirement, but still need an English course. If you aren’t sure which course is best for your teen, please contact the instructor, Lisa Craddock.)
Level: Parents can choose the grade track that best reflects their student's academic level, including a "modified" track which allows parents to choose the assignments and projects that best meet the learning goals of their students. These tracks will be explained at the first meeting, which parents are asked to attend.
Grading: If you'd like the instructor to do the tracking, recording, and grading for you, a "Graded Track" is also available for an additional $95.
Tutoring: Parents who want their student to have one-on-one writing guidance can sign up with Lisa for tutoring to support this class.
read a rich array of works, both fiction and non-fiction
study significant narratives and poetry in depth
analyze different expressions of similar ideas, e.g. through music, film, and art
engage with important ideas to understand the impact of literature
gain essential composition skills (we practice writing as a process)
write and revise three full-length formal essays every semester
creative writing, short in-class essays, and presentations
Our spring book list is below. If you have specific questions about course content or structure, please contact the instructor, Lisa Craddock.
Spring 2026
We'll study so many excellent and important works this semester!
Ragtime: the Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording)*
Up from Slavery, by Booker T. Washington**
The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair**
The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck
The Chosen, by Chaim Potok**
Four-Four-Two, by Dean Hughes
Code-Talkers: a Novel about the Navajo Marines of World War Two, by Joseph Bruchac
The Joy Luck Club, by Amy Tan
Important Note: We will be studying all these works together, but mostly through chapter excerpts. You will only read three of the above books in their entirety—and you get to choose which ones! : ) (A-G students will read 4 books in their entirety: Up from Slavery plus 3 of their choice.)
Four movies:
Race (2016)
Places in the Heart (1984)
Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
for Chronicles English Course
Dates: Wednesdays - Jan 28 to May 7 (no class April 1)
14 weeks; 16 for A-G includes a 2-week self-led unit
Hours: 1:00-3:00pm PST
Location: Online, via Zoom.
Ages: Chronicles is geared toward juniors and seniors who are ready to be challenged in their critical thinking skills, and who can commit to practicing good planning and time management. It’s perfect for advanced students, especially those who’d like to meet their American Lit requirement and take US History simultaneously.
Cost:
Non-graded option for $595: The instructor gives feedback and evaluations on assignments submitted; the parent records & tracks student work and assigns a semester grade.
Graded option for $690: The instructor gives feedback and evaluations on assignments submitted, records and tracks student work, and assigns a semester grade.
At checkout you'll see an option to pay in installments.
Tutoring: If you're interested in signing up your student for tutoring in academic writing, please contact the instructor, Lisa Craddock.
Charter parents: If you're using Ocean Grove, South Sutter, or Sky Mountain funds, enter code CHARTER at checkout to enroll without prepaying, then request a PO.
Cancellation Policy: Cancel anytime before the first day of class for a full refund. 50% refund once class starts, if requested before the second class; there are no refunds after that.
Instructor: Lisa Craddock holds BAs in Literature and Theatre, and a Master of Humanities in Film Studies with a concentration in Rhetoric (the art of speaking and writing effectively). She has taught classes in literature, composition, and film for the University of Colorado, and her scholarship, essays, poetry, and plays have appeared in a variety of literary and academic venues. We’re proud to have her on our team!
IMPORTANT: After checkout, please complete the registration form in your dashboard,
required to confirm enrollment.
If you're an Ocean Grove, South Sutter, or Sky Mountain parent, apply code CHARTER to enroll without prepaying.