In Texas, the number of credits required to graduate from high school depends on the graduation plan a student follows. Texas offers several graduation programs, with the most common being the Foundation High School Program with an Endorsement and the Distinguished Level of Achievement.
Foundation High School Program with Endorsement
- Total Credits Required:26 credits
- Breakdown:
- English/Language Arts:4 credits
- Mathematics:3 credits (including Algebra I, Geometry, and an additional advanced math course)
- Science:3 credits (including Biology and two additional advanced science courses)
- Social Studies:3 credits (including U.S. History, Government, Economics, and World History or Geography)
- Physical Education:1 credit
- Languages Other Than English:2 credits (same language)
- Fine Arts:1 credit
- Electives:5 credits
- Endorsement:4 credits (in a specific area of study such as STEM, Business and Industry, Public Services, Arts and Humanities, or Multidisciplinary Studies)
Distinguished Level of Achievement
- Total Credits Required:26 credits (same as the Foundation with Endorsement, but with additional rigor)
- Key Requirement:Must include Algebra II in the math credits
- Additional Advantage:This level is required for eligibility for Texas’s Top 10% automatic college admission rule.
Foundation High School Program (without Endorsement)
- Total Credits Required:22 credits
- Breakdown:
- English/Language Arts:4 credits
- Mathematics:3 credits
- Science:3 credits
- Social Studies:3 credits
- Physical Education:1 credit
- Languages Other Than English:2 credits
- Fine Arts:1 credit
- Electives:5 credits
This is the minimum program, but most students opt for the 26-credit plan with an endorsement for better preparation and opportunities post-graduation.
If you are in Texas, it’s always advisable to check with your school counselor to ensure you are on the right track to meet the specific graduation requirements set by your district.