In Texas, high school students must fulfill specific credit and assessment requirements to earn a diploma. The state offers multiple graduation plans, each with distinct credit requirements and academic focuses.
Texas High School Graduation Plans
Texas provides three primary graduation plans:
- Foundation High School Program: Requires a minimum of 22 credits.
- Foundation High School Program with Endorsement: Requires 26 credits.
- Distinguished Level of Achievement: Also requires 26 credits, including Algebra II, and is recommended for students aiming for top university admissions.
Credit Requirements Breakdown
Under the Foundation High School Program, students must earn the following credits:
English Language Arts: 4 credits
Mathematics: 3 credits (including Algebra I and Geometry)
Science: 3 credits (including Biology)
Social Studies: 3 credits (including U.S. History, Government, and Economics)
Languages Other Than English: 2 credits
Physical Education: 1 credit
Fine Arts: 1 credit
Electives: 5 credits
For the Foundation High School Program with Endorsement and the Distinguished Level of Achievement, students must complete:
The 22 credits listed above
Endorsement Area: 4 additional credits in a specialized area such as STEM, Business & Industry, Public Services, Arts & Humanities, or Multidisciplinary Studies
The Distinguished Level of Achievement additionally requires students to complete Algebra II and is recommended for students aiming for top university admissions.
Assessment Requirements
In addition to credit requirements, Texas students must pass five State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) end-of-course exams:
English I
English II
Algebra I
Biology
U.S. History
Students who do not pass up to two of these exams may still graduate through an Individual Graduation Committee (IGC), which evaluates additional projects or portfolios demonstrating proficiency.
Planning for Graduation Success
To stay on track for graduation:
Consult with School Counselors: Regularly meet with your counselor to ensure you’re meeting all credit and assessment requirements.
Choose the Right Endorsement: Select an endorsement area that aligns with your interests and career goals.
Prepare for STAAR Exams: Utilize available resources and study guides to excel in required assessments.
Monitor Academic Progress: Keep track of your credits and seek help if you’re falling behind in any subject.