ELA Courses and Requirements
Language Arts Graduation Requirements
All students must have a minimum of four (4) credits in the Language Arts field to graduate from any Mesa County Valley School District 51 school. One (1) full credit must meet the freshman English requirement, one (1) full credit must meet the sophomore English requirement, one (1) full credit must meet the junior English requirement, and one half credit (1/2) must meet the senior English requirement. The other half credit (1/2) must be an English elective credit. Please consult the language arts course and elective selection charts below for more information.
Language Arts Course Selection Chart
Grand Junction High School has some of the best ELA course selections in the Grand Valley; there is something for everyone! In order to graduate, you must acquire four credits of Composition and Literature classes. The choices for each grade are listed below. Additionally, students who are interested in the AP Capstone Program can take AP Seminar and Research courses their sophomore/junior or junior/senior years.
For specific information about each course, check out the GJHS Educational Planning Guide or ask a language arts teacher!
Note: If you are in an AP class, it is recommended you take the class for the whole year.
For specific information about each course, check out the GJHS Educational Planning Guide or ask a language arts teacher!
Note: If you are in an AP class, it is recommended you take the class for the whole year.
Grade |
Composition/Literature |
Honors/AP |
CMU |
9th (2 semesters) |
Composition/Literature 9 |
Honors English 9 |
N/A |
10th (2 semesters) |
Composition/Literature 10 |
Honors English 10 |
N/A |
11th (2 semesters) |
Composition/Literature 11 |
AP Language (2026 exam: May 13 @ 8 a.m.) |
N/A |
12th (2 semesters if AP or CMU; 1 semester if Comp. 12) |
Composition/Literature 12 |
AP Literature (2026 exam: May 6 @ 8 a.m.) |
CMU 111 & 112 |
Language Arts Elective Selection Chart
In addition to choosing from a comprehensive selection of Composition/Literature classes for every level of learner, you need to take at least one semester of an ELA elective for a half (.5) credit in order to graduate. You can take more than one ELA elective; many students do! There are a variety of literacy classes offered to give students plenty of choice and allow them to capitalize on their interests and strengths.
For specific information about each elective, check out the GJHS Educational Planning Guide or ask a language arts teacher!
For specific information about each elective, check out the GJHS Educational Planning Guide or ask a language arts teacher!
