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A Historical Legacy in American Education
Shakespeare first entered the American classroom in 1837, when excerpts from his plays appeared in the McGuffey Readers, a set of textbooks that became foundational for 19th-century English language instruction. The textbooks highlighted passages from King John and Julius Caesar, reflecting how deeply embedded Shakespeare was in literary culture.
From East Coast boarding schools to Midwest public schools, Shakespeare’s plays remain a backbone of American English education. They are, without exaggeration, “the classics among classics.”
Why Is Shakespeare Still Taught in U.S. Schools?
For generations, Shakespeare has held a central place in American classrooms, from elite preparatory institutions to public schools across the country. Yet students often wonder: Why study plays written over 400 years ago, in a language that feels foreign, by an author whose world looks nothing like ours?
To understand the value of studying Shakespeare today, we spoke with an experienced AP English Literature teacher with over 13 years of classroom experience at top U.S. high schools. Here’s what we learned.
1. Mastering Complex Language: Building Academic Resilience
Shakespeare’s language is Early Modern English—full of archaic words, inverted syntax, and poetic structures that confuse even native speakers. Shakespeare’s inventive use of language introduces students to thousands of words and phrases that have since become common in modern English.
Students who engage with Shakespeare develop the ability to unpack dense, unfamiliar texts—a critical academic skill. This practice trains them to:
- Decode complex vocabulary and literary devices
- Read between the lines and infer meaning
- Improve overall reading fluency and comprehension
2. Interdisciplinary Relevance
Shakespeare combines literature with history, psychology, and sociology. While reading his works, students deepen their understanding of English history and how historical contexts shape literature.
At the same time, Shakespeare’s exploration of human psychology and social dynamics allows students to draw connections across disciplines and build valuable interdisciplinary thinking skills.
3. Critical Thinking and Interpretation
Shakespeare’s plays don’t have simple plots. They’re layered with themes of power, betrayal, justice, identity, and moral ambiguity.
For example:
- Macbeth explores the tension between ambition and ethics
- Hamlet questions the meaning of existence and action
Characters speak in riddles, plots are filled with moral gray areas, and the line between comedy and tragedy is often blurred. Interpreting Shakespeare requires students to read between the lines, weigh different viewpoints, and justify their understanding—all essential academic and life skills.
4. Exam and College Prep: A Strategic Advantage
Shakespeare is a recurring name on standardized tests and college-level syllabi. Plays such as Hamlet, Macbeth, and King Lear appear frequently on the AP English Literature exam. Students who study Shakespeare gain exposure to high-level textual analysis and argumentation, which translates directly into AP essays, SAT reading comprehension, and college writing assignments.
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Shakespeare in Top U.S. High Schools
Many elite boarding schools have integrated Shakespeare into their curricula in thoughtful and creative ways.
Phillips Academy Andover
The image above shows the course offerings from Phillips Academy Andover. The Academy’s English department offers elective courses specifically focused on Shakespeare, with new classes available each semester.
The first semester focuses on reading three to four plays and several sonnets, utilizing philosophical texts to deepen understanding. The second semester explores adaptations, pairing original plays with modern works. The reading list includes:
- Romeo and Juliet with West Side Story
- The Taming of the Shrew with Kiss Me, Kate
- King Lear with Kurosawa’s Ran
- Macbeth with Throne of Blood
- Henry IV with My Own Private Idaho
In the third semester, students explore Shakespeare and the Law, reading The Merchant of Venice, Othello, and Measure for Measure to analyze legal and ethical themes in Shakespeare’s works.
The Lawrenceville School
At Lawrenceville, Shakespeare features prominently in both core and elective courses. In 10th grade, all students read Macbeth while developing their analytical writing and discussion skills. Electives include:
- Shakespeare’s Comedies: The Masks We Wear
- Subversive Comedy: From Shakespeare to Hollywood and Beyond
- Shakespeare’s Tragedies: Everyone Dies Onstage
These courses encourage students to draw connections between classic drama and contemporary storytelling.
What This Means for Middle and High School Students
If you’re a student in Grades 8–12 attending a U.S. high school or international school, now is the perfect time to explore Shakespeare’s works more deeply. Participate in Aralia’s latest Shakespeare Reading class! Whether you’re reading Shakespeare for the first time or preparing for college-level literary analysis, this course offers a structured, engaging, and empowering way to master his timeless works.
Shakespeare Literature
Shakespeare Literature
In Shakespeare Literature, teacher guide students through analyzing Shakespeare’s masterful use of language, his ability to create complex characters, and the exploration of timeless themes. Students will explore more about his work through reading, discussion, and analysis in this course.
