Language Arts

In language arts classes at Boulder High, students develop their critical thinking, reading, and writing skills.

Boulder High School Language Arts Department provide students with the opportunity to become flexible writers who can compose in a variety of modes and for a variety of purposes. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. Language arts offers advanced courses at the freshman and sophomore levels and Advanced Placement courses at the junior and senior levels. We also provide a variety of communication, literature, and writing electives including Newspaper, Yearbook, Theater, Public Speaking, and Video & Film Production.

9th Grade Advanced Summer Reading

AP Summer Reading

11th Grade Summer Reading

BVSD Graduation Requirements

Minimum Required Courses

APG: BVSD Graduation Requirements Departments

Language Arts: 40 credits

10 credits 9th Grade Language Arts
10 credits 10th Grade Language Arts
10 credits 11th Grade Language Arts
5 credits Communication
5 credits additional Language Arts elective

Social Studies: 30 credits

5 credits U.S. Government
5 credits World Geography
10 credits World History
10 credits U.S. History

Mathematics

Class 2029 & Beyond: 30 credits

30 credits, which must include at least 10 credits in Algebra or higher level Mathematics

Class 2026, 2027, & 2028: 20 credits

10 in Algebra 1 or higher
10 additional Math credits

Science

Class of 2029 & Beyond: 30 credits

10 in Life Sciences
10 in Physical Sciences
10 in additional Science elective credits

Class of 2026, 2027, & 2028: 20 credits

10 in Life Sciences
10 in Physical Sciences

Health: 5 credits in grades 10–12

5 credits, grade 10 recommended

Physical Education: 15 credits

5 credits Wellness in Action, grade 9
10 credits additional P.E. electives, grades 9–12

Fine Arts/Visual & Performing Arts

Class of 2029 & Beyond: 5 credits

5 credits in Music, Art, or Theater

Class of 2026, 2027, & 2029: 5 credits

5 credits in Music or Art

Second Language Acquisition: 10 credits

10 credits in World Language, level 2 or above, or for English Language Learners, achievement of approved level of English language acquisition

Practical Experiences/Arts

Class of 2029 & Beyond: 5 credits

5 credits Computer Science or Applied Technology, Business, Consumer and Family Studies, Industrial Technology, or Career and Technical Education

Class of 2026, 2027, & 2028: 5 credits

Business, Computer Science, Design Technology, Family and Consumer Education, TEC

Computer

Class of 2026, 2027, & 2028

Completion of an approved one-semester computer class in middle school or completion of a course that meets the computer requirement. Many students meet this requirement in middle school. See your counselor or the Big 5, Mighty 7 for BHS courses that fulfill this graduation requirement.

Money Management/Personal Finance

Completion of one of the following:

Project Management in Action
Principles of Management
Principles of Marketing
Principles of Advertising
Interpersonal Relationships
AP Macroeconomics
Personal Finance
Strategic Marketing
Event Marketing/Communication
Life Management
AP Microeconomics

Elective Courses: 70 credits beyond required courses in grades 9-12

English/ Language Arts Course Selection Sequence

Students must successfully complete one of the classes in each grade level.

Language Arts Courses

The Academic Planning Guide (APG) and the course selection videos on the BHS Academic Planning Website are great resources to use when selecting your courses. This list of courses provides the most up to date course offering information including the course number, course description, credits and requirements. The Curriculum Essentials Document also provides useful information. For NCAA Course eligibility, please view the BHS NCAA Information Website.

Course Catalog

Course Catalog

CU Succeed

The CU Succeed Program collaborates with high schools all over Colorado to give students the opportunity to gain exposure to actual college courses. Students enroll in University of Colorado, Denver courses, that are located at their high school and taught by qualified lecturers at a reduced tuition rate.

Learn More about CU succeed