Coinciding with the Mission Statement of Saint Bernard’s School, the philosophy of the English department is to provide each student with an experience that will "…educate, awaken, nourish, develop, and empower students to lives of service and leadership." As such, our philosophy recognizes that the individual who has command of the English language and of cultural literacy will become the educated, awakened, nourished, developed, and empowered student qualified to fulfill a life of service and leadership.

Because English is seen as a priority, it is required all four years. The English curriculum teaches all students fundamental skills in a required program. In grades 11 and 12, students may also choose to take elective courses. The outstanding senior students are encouraged to take the Advanced placement class in lieu of the required English 12 class.

Recognizing that not all students proceed at the same rate or in the same manner, the philosophy of the English department encourages an approach which, though structured, is at the same time flexible. This approach not only assures reaching all students - from the most to the least advanced - but also further assures accomplishing the primary goal of the English department: to provide each student with the best possible education in reading, speaking, and writing.