Graduation Requirements

What is a credit?

High school students earn a half-credit for successful completion of each course each semester.

• The semester average must be 70% or better.
• Students may earn credit if the year-end average is 70% or better.
• Attendance matters! Students who fail to be in class 90% of the time may lose credit for the course.
• 30 credits are required for graduation.

Foundation High School Plan

FHSP with Endorsements

• English- 4 credits
• Math- 4 credits
• Science- 4 credits
• Social Studies- 3 credits
• Fine Art – 1 credit
• PE – 1 credit
• Foreign Language - 2 credits of the same language
• Electives – 7 credits

Total- 26 credits

FHSP | DLA Endorsements

Meet all requirements of the FHSP with Endorsements

• Completing Algebra II as one of the required math credits

NOTE:

• Electives choices will be dependent upon the endorsement.

Students completing the distinguished level will be eligible for college admission under the Top 10% automatic admissions provision.

English Graduation Requirements

• English 1
• English 2
• English 3
• Additional English
  • Choose an appropriate level of rigor that prepares you for your career goals.
  • The 4th English should be a bridge between high school and post-secondary goals.

Math Graduation Requirements

• Algebra 1
• Geometry
• Algebra 2
• Additional Math
  • Choose an appropriate level of rigor that prepares you for your career goals.
  • The 4th English should be a bridge between high school and post-secondary goals.

Science Graduation Requirements

• Biology
• 1 credit lab-based course
• Additional science course
• Additional science course
  • Choose an appropriate level of rigor that prepares you for your career goals.
  • The 4th English should be a bridge between high school and post-secondary goals

Social Studies Graduation Requirements

• World Geography or World History
• US History
• Government and Economics
  • Four years of social studies are recommended.
  • Choose an appropriate level of rigor that prepares you for your career goals. 

Languages Other than English (2 credits required)

• Choose from
  • Spanish
  • Spanish for Spanish Speakers
  • French
• Must have 2 credits from SAME language

Physical Education (1 credit required)

• Options
  • Football
  • Baseball/Softball
  • Volleyball
  • Basketball (B & G)
  • Tennis (B & G)
  • Track (G)
  • Swimming (B & G)
  • Soccer (B & G)
  • Golf (B & G)
  • PE
  • JROTC
  • Marching Band
  • Varsity Dance
  • Cheerleading

Fine Arts

• Options
  • Art
  • Theatre Arts
  • Technical Theater
  • Theater Production
  • Band
  • Choir
  • Orchestra
  • Dance

End of Course Exam Requirements

• Algebra I
• Biology
• English I
• English II
• US History

Endorsements | Career Plans

What is an endorsement?

Endorsements consist of a related series of courses that are grouped together by interest or skill set. They provide students with in-depth knowledge of a subject area.
(Texas Education Agency Graduation Toolkit)

• All students will select a career plan which will determine their endorsement
• Having a plan early allows the opportunity to take advantage of all of the course options available
• Exploring options early gives students a chance to figure out what they do and don’t like

Options

Career Plans

• Each career plan requires a sequence of courses--minimum of three years of courses (some four)
• Once Sophomore year is passed, career plans cannot be changed so that the three years of classes can be completed, so . . .
• End of Freshmen year is the last opportunity to change career plans

Selecting Courses

Success in honors courses requires students who:

• Have excellent attendance. Catching up in an advanced class can be very difficult.
• Have a history of completing assignments accurately and on time.
• Are capable of success with challenging material presented at a faster pace.
• Possess strong organizational and time management skills.
• Have a strong ability to work independently and/or provide leadership in groups.
• Are willing to take assignments beyond basic requirements.
• Are able to prioritize and balance commitments both in and out of school.
  • Weigh the number of advanced courses with extracurricular and family commitments.

Honors and AP policy

Students MUST pass each grading period to remain in advanced courses

• If students fail an advanced course, they will be removed and placed in the on-level equivalent course.
• Students may appeal the removal and remain in the class, but must pass the following grading period to remain enrolled
• Students may only appeal ONCE per year

Resources for Course Selection

• Teachers
• Counselors
• PHS Website (Academics tab, Academic Planning)
• High School Course Guide
• NCAA Eligibility Center (Athletes)
• College Admissions Advisors
• College Websites

How can parents help?

Partner with middle school counselors & teachers when choosing courses.

• Learn more – view resources as needed.
• Look at the big picture. Consider extracurricular activities and time commitments in addition to courses.
• Be sure to review and finalize course selections with your child by the deadline.

If you have any questions, please contact your student's counselor.