J.E.B. Stuart High School moved into the minicourse elective program five years ago from an anthology-survey oriented English curriculum. The students are grouped into two levels, one offering minicourses for eleventh and twelfth graders and the other offering minicourses for ninth and tenth grade students, with some courses open to all of the different grade levels. The courses are planned around specific themes, including "The Bible as Literature,""Science Fiction,""A Vision of Tragedy," and "Poetry." When teachers decided that needed skills were not being adequately taught, the curriculum was restructured so that first quarter minicourses emphasized skills in spelling or punctuation, or such complex skills as critical reading and writing. Vocabulary, usage, history of the language, the oral skills--discussion, debate, and oral interpretation--are mini-units in the skills-oriented quarter. All courses include a library unit. During the spring quarter a wide range of creative activities and readings are offered. Enthusiasm for this successful teacher-initiated minicourse program is reflected in teacher preparation and student response. (RB)