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 | Foundation High School Program (FHSP) | Foundation High School Program (FHSP) + Endorsement | Foundation High School Program (FHSP) + Endorsement + Distinguished Level of Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language Arts |
4 credits:
|
4 credits:
|
4 credits:
|
| Mathematics |
3 credits:
|
4 credits:
|
4 credits:
|
| Science |
3 credits:
|
4 credits:
|
4 credits:
|
|
Social Studies (Students in the |
3 credits:
|
3 credits:
|
3 credits:
|
|
Social Studies (Students in the |
3 credits:
|
3 credits:
|
3 credits:
|
| World Languages |
2 credits: Any two levels in the same language; or Any two credits selected from:
|
2 credits:
|
2 credits
|
| Fine Arts | 1 credit | 1 credit | 1 credit |
| Physical Education | 1 credit | 1 credit | 1 credit |
| Health | 0.5 credit | 0.5 credit | 0.5 credit |
| Electives | 4.5 credits | 6.5 credits | 6.5 credits |
| Total Credits | 22 credits | 26 credits | 26 credits |
The additional English Language Arts credit may be selected from one full-credit course or a combination of two half-credit courses from different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses:
- English IV
- Independent Study in English
- Literary Genres
- Creative Writing
- Research and Technical Writing
- Humanities
- Public Speaking III
- Communication Applications (0.5 credit)
- Oral Interpretation III
- Debate III
- Independent Study in Speech
- Independent Study in Journalism
- Advanced Broadcast Journalism III
- Advanced Journalism: Newspaper III
- Advanced Journalism: Yearbook III
- AP English Literature and Composition
- IB Language Studies A: Literature Higher Level (2 credits)
- Business English
- College Preparatory English Language Arts
The additional mathematics credit may be selected from one full-credit course or a combination of two half-credit courses from different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses or the courses listed in Group B
- Mathematical Models with Applications
- Mathematical Applications in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
- Digital Electronics
- Financial Mathematics
- Applied Mathematics for Technical Professionals
- Accounting II
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology II
- Robotics II
The additional mathematics credit may be selected from one full-credit course or a combination of two half-credit courses from different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses.
- Algebra II
- Precalculus
- Advanced Quantitative Reasoning
- Independent Study in Mathematics
- Discrete Mathematics for Problem Solving
- Algebraic Reasoning
- Statistics
- AP Statistics
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Computer Science A
- IB Computer Science A Higher Level (2 credits)
- Engineering Mathematics
- Statistics and Business Decision Making
- Mathematics for Medical Professionals
- Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science
- IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches Standard Level (2 credits)
- IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches Higher Level (2 credits)
- IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations Standard Level (2 credits)
- IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations Higher Level (2 credits)
- College Preparatory Mathematics*
* College Preparatory Mathematics may only count as the fourth mathematics credit after the completion of Algebra I, Geometry, and an additional mathematics credit from Group A or Group B.
The additional science credit may be selected from one full-credit course or a combination of two half-credit courses from different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses.
- Chemistry
- Physics*
- Aquatic Science
- Astronomy
- Earth Systems Science
- Environmental Systems
- AP Biology
- AP Environmental Science
- AP Chemistry
- AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
- AP Physics C: Mechanics
- AP Physics 1: Algebra Based
- AP Physics 2: Algebra Based
- Advanced Animal Science
- Advanced Plant and Soil Science
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Microbiology
- Pathophysiology
- Food Science
- Forensic Science
- Biotechnology I
- Biotechnology II
- Physics for Engineering*
- Scientific Research and Design
- Engineering Design and Problem Solving
- Engineering Science
- IB Biology Standard Level (2 credits)
- IB Biology Higher Level (2 credits)
- IB Chemistry Standard Level (2 credits)
- IB Chemistry Higher Level (2 credits)
- IB Physics Standard Level (2 credits)
- IB Physics Higher Level (2 credits)
* Credit may not be earned for both Physics and Physics for Engineering to satisfy science credit requirements.
Students must pass five End-of-Course (EOC) exams:
- English I
- English II
- Algebra I
- Biology
- U.S. History
To fulfill the post-secondary financial aid application requirement, students must complete one of the following:
- Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Submit a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)
- Submit a signed opt-out form (a meeting with your child’s counselor is required to complete this step)
- Speech Requirement: Students must demonstrate proficiency in communication skills, as outlined by the State Board of Education. This requirement is met through their high school English courses.
- Peace Officer Interaction Instruction: Students must receive instruction on how to properly interact with peace officers. This will be completed within their World Geography or World History courses.
- CPR Instruction: Students must be trained in CPR at least once between grades 7–12. This is typically fulfilled through the Health course.
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.
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