The English Language Arts (ELA) Department of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS) is dedicated to fostering literacy and communication skills from kindergarten through 12th grade. By aligning with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study, the department ensures that students develop critical reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities essential for academic success and responsible citizenship.

All students have equitable access to rigorous academic experiences and instructional support necessary to meet literacy standards preparing graduates for higher education, careers and responsible citizenship.

In the early grades, WS/FCS emphasizes foundational literacy skills. The curriculum focuses on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. To support this, the district has implemented programs like the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness curriculum and invested in new English Language Arts textbooks for students in kindergarten through third grade. Additionally, Early Learning Partners have been hired to assist teachers in all 45 elementary schools, providing targeted support to enhance early literacy instruction.

Middle school students build upon their foundational skills by engaging with more complex texts and writing tasks. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, analytical writing, and effective communication. Students explore various genres and learn to construct well-supported arguments, preparing them for the demands of high school coursework.

At the high school level, the ELA curriculum is designed to deepen students' understanding of language and literature. Courses such as English I through IV, along with Advanced Placement options like AP Language and AP Literature, focus on refining students' abilities to analyze texts, craft persuasive essays, and engage in meaningful discussions. The curriculum aims to equip students with the language skills necessary for college, careers, and active participation in society.