English Department

Language is a wonderful gift, and the ability to speak and write effectively is vital to each student’s fulfillment and success. The English Department strives to introduce and develop language skills that enrich lives and enhance graduates’ ability to contribute to society.

We believe that students who see literature as an artistic picture of life, will better appreciate literature and its relationship to music, art, history and to their own life experience.

Students who are confident in their written and spoken language skills will better forge the language and cultural complexities of our society.

Students who study in a values- and issue-based language curriculum will better use ethical research and critical thinking to reflect upon their world and become effective citizens.

Students who use a variety of today’s technologies to communicate their ideas will be better prepared to master tomorrow’s technologies and issues.

Click here for the English Department flier.
English Department Teachers
Kathryn Schnier (Chairperson)
Gregory Bouman
Barbara David
Kathryn Mitchell
Kathleen Robb

English Courses
Mercy requires four full-year units of English credit and offers additional electives.
See current Course Offerings booklet for course selections and details.

English class activities offer great variety, focusing on student-centered, hands-on, technologically advanced, critical thinking. The courses are differentiated for varying abilities, learning styles, and interests of students, including support services for students with special needs and Advanced study, leading to college credit through the A. P. testing program and Dual Credit associations with local universities.

Student Publications
  • The Etcetera, our school newspaper created in Journalism, a full-year, credited elective
  • Yearbook, our school yearbook created in a full-year, credited elective
  • Mercy Musings, our literary magazine of student writing created as a co-curricular activity
  • Film festival, an activity sponsored by the Mercy Musings club in which student written, directed, performed, filmed and edited short films are produced and shared in an public “awards-show” format
English Department Opportunities
Annual field trip to the Playhouse-in the-Park for all students
“Author in the House” speakers and/or field trips to hear current published writers
Competitive poetry and essay contests
Performance competitions, including the prestigious Shakespeare Oratory Contest

English Department Test Results
100% first-attempt passing rate on OGT tests in reading and writing
A.P. results involve passing rates and scores well above national average in both World Literature and Language and Composition
Mother of Mercy High School | 3036 Werk Road | Cincinnati, OH 45211-7042 | Ph: 513.661.2740