To earn a high school diploma, students must complete state and district credit requirements, including courses in English, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, physical education, fine arts, health, and electives.
Students are also required to select an endorsement, which provides a focus on a college and career pathway. Endorsement options include Multidisciplinary Studies, STEM, Business and Industry, Arts and Humanities, and Public Service. Course availability may vary by campus.
Students should work closely with their counselor to stay on track and ensure all graduation requirements are met.
For more in-depth information on graduation requirements, please visit our Graduation Requirements Toolkit.
Foundation High School Program (FHSP)
Students follow the graduation plan that was in effect when they entered ninth grade. Current graduation plans require between 22 and 26 course credits, depending on the path selected.
Beginning with the 2014–2015 school year, students entering ninth grade are automatically enrolled in the Foundation High School Program, established by House Bill 5 during the 2013 Texas legislative session.
| Category | Credits Needed |
|---|---|
|
English Language Arts |
4 credits:
|
| Mathematics |
3 credits:
|
| Science |
3 credits:
|
| Social Studies (Students in the Class of 2029 and earlier) |
3 credits:
|
| Social Studies (Students in the Class of 2030 and later) |
3 credits:
|
| World Languages |
2 credits |
| Fine Arts | 1 credit |
| Physical Education | 1 credit |
| Health | 0.5 credit |
| Electives | 4.5 credits |
| Total Credits | 22 |
| Category | Credits Needed |
|---|---|
|
English Language Arts |
4 credits:
|
| Mathematics |
4 credits:
|
| Science |
4 credits:
|
| Social Studies (Students in the Class of 2029 and earlier) |
3 credits:
|
| Social Studies (Students in the Class of 2030 and later) |
3 credits:
|
| World Languages |
2 credits |
| Fine Arts | 1 credit |
| Physical Education | 1 credit |
| Health | 0.5 credit |
| Electives | 6.5 credits |
| Total Credits | 26 |
| Category | Credits Needed |
|---|---|
|
English Language Arts |
4 credits:
|
| Mathematics |
4 credits:
|
| Science |
4 credits:
|
| Social Studies (Students in the Class of 2029 and earlier) |
3 credits:
|
| Social Studies (Students in the Class of 2030 and later) |
3 credits:
|
| World Languages |
2 credits |
| Fine Arts | 1 credit |
| Physical Education | 1 credit |
| Health | 0.5 credits |
| Electives | 6.5 credits |
| Total Credits | 26 |
Additional Graduation Requirements
State Testing (EOC Exams)
- English I
- English II
- Algebra I
- Biology
- U.S. History
Financial Aid Requirement
- Submit FAFSA
- Submit TASFA
- Submit signed opt-out form (with counselor meeting)
Other Requirements
- Speech proficiency through English courses
- Peace officer interaction instruction (World Geography or World History)
- CPR training once between grades 7–12
Endorsement Options
All students are required to choose and Endorsement as part of their Graduation Plan. An Endorsement refers to a college and career pathway in either Multidisciplinary Studies, Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM), Business & Industry, Arts & Humanities, Public Service.
Please note that while all five endorsements may be offered at a campus, not all college and career pathways may be available. All students must take required English, mathematics, science and social studies courses in the year they enter high school, and they must continue those courses annually until all requirements are met.
The Arts & Humanities endorsement is a curriculum path that allows for a student to focus deeply on courses directly related to fine arts, English literature, foreign languages and social studies.
- 7 English credits total
- 4 Fine Arts credits in coherent sequence
- 5 Social Studies credits
- 4 World Language credits
The Business & Industry endorsement is a curriculum path that allows a student to focus deeply on courses directly related to the business field.
- 4+ CTE credits in coherent sequence
- 3 courses in same career cluster
- 1 advanced CTE course
The Multidisciplinary Studies endorsement allows for students to further study a foundation area or a wide range of curriculum sets.
- 4x4 core OR
- 4 AP / IB / Dual Credit courses
The Public Services endorsement is a curriculum path that allows a student to focus deeply on courses directly related to the public services field, including the education field and government.
- 4+ CTE credits OR
- 4 JROTC credits
The Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) endorsement is a curriculum path that allows a student to focus deeply on courses directly related to science, technology, engineering and advanced math.
- Requires Algebra II, Chemistry, and Physics
- Option via CTE, Math pathway, Science pathway, or combination