Texas Graduation Requirements
Beginning with the incoming freshman class of 2007–08, high school students that pursue the Recommended High School Program or the Distinguished Achievement Program must earn 26 course credits to graduate, including four credits each in math, science, social studies, and English language arts.
Students can take the 22-credit Minimum High School Program only if approved by their parent(s) or guardian and a school official.
Students must pass their classes as well as all four sections of the exit level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) in order to receive a diploma and graduate from a Texas public high school.
Students first take the exit level TAKS in the spring of their junior year.
The exit level TAKS includes math, science, social studies, and English language arts. These tests are based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or TEKS, which are the curriculum standards (or broad curriculum requirements) that teachers use every day in the classroom as the basis for instruction.
Students will have five opportunities prior to their graduation to take and pass the four exit level TAKS tests; however, passing these tests in their junior year is preferable.
Be sure to check with your local district, which may have additional graduation requirements.
Distinguished Achievement
26 Credits Required
English Language Arts .....................................................4.0
- English I, II, III, & IV
- Immigrant students with limited English proficiency may substitute English I and II for Speakers of Other Languages for English I and II.
Math ......................................................................4.0
- Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and a fourth math course for which
- Algebra II is a prerequisite
Science ...................................................................4.0
- Biology, Chemistry, and Physics plus an additional lab-based course
Social Studies ............................................................3.5
- World History Studies (1.0),
- World Geography Studies (1.0),
- U.S. History Studies Since Reconstruction (1.0), and
- U.S. Government (0.5)
Economics .................................................................0.5
Physical Education ........................................................1.5
- Foundations of Personal Fitness (0.5 with a limit of 2.0 credits)
- Can substitute drill team, marching band, cheerleading, JROTC, athletics, Dance I-IV, approved private programs, or certain career and technology education courses
Languages other than English ..............................................3.0
- Any three levels in the same language
Health Education ...................................................0.5 to 1.0
- Health Education (0.5) or Health Science Technology (1.0)
Technology Applications ...................................................1.0
Fine Arts .................................................................1.0
Speech ....................................................................0.5
Additional Components (elective courses) ..................................2.5
- From the list of courses approved by the State Board of Education for Grades 9-12 (relating to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills),
- From state-approved innovative courses, JROTC (1.0 to 4.0 credits), or
- From Driver Education (0.5)
TOTAL CREDITS .......................................26.0
Advanced Measures
Students must complete four advanced measures as designated in the Distinguished Achievement Program graduation plan.
Recommended Plan
26 Credits Required
English Language Arts .....................................................4.0
- English I, II, III, & IV
- Immigrant students with limited English proficiency may substitute English I and II for Speakers of Other Languages for English I and II.
Math ......................................................................4.0
- Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and a fourth math course
Science ...................................................................4.0
- Biology, Chemistry, and Physics plus an additional lab-based course*
Social Studies ............................................................3.5
- World History Studies (1.0),
- World Geography Studies (1.0),
- U.S. History Studies Since Reconstruction (1.0), and
- U.S. Government (0.5)
Economics .................................................................0.5
Physical Education ........................................................1.5
- Foundations of Personal Fitness (0.5 with a limit of 2.0 credits)
- Can substitute drill team, marching band, cheerleading, JROTC, athletics, Dance I-IV, approved private programs, or certain career and technology education courses
Languages other than English ..............................................2.0
- Any two levels in the same language
Health Education ...................................................0.5 to 1.0
- Health Education (0.5) or Health Science Technology (1.0)
Technology Applications ...................................................1.0
Fine Arts .................................................................1.0
Speech ....................................................................0.5
Additional Components (elective courses) ..................................3.5
- From the list of courses approved by the State Board of Education for Grades 9-12 (relating to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills),
- From state-approved innovative courses, JROTC (1.0 to 4.0 credits), or
- From Driver Education (0.5)
TOTAL CREDITS .......................................26.0
* Integrated Physics and Chemistry can satisfy one of the lab-science requirements through 2011–12.
Minimum Graduation
22 Credits Required
English Language Arts .....................................................4.0
- English I, II, & III
- Immigrant students with limited English proficiency may substitute English I and II for Speakers of Other Languages for English I and II.
- Check with counselor for course options to satisfy fourth credit.
Math ......................................................................3.0
- Algebra I, Geometry, and a third math course
Science ...................................................................2.0
- Biology and Integrated Physics & Chemistry (IPC)
Social Studies ............................................................2.5
- World History Studies (1.0) or World Geography Studies (1.0),
- U.S. History Studies Since Reconstruction (1.0), and
- U.S. Government (0.5)
Economics .................................................................0.5
Academic Elective .........................................................1.0
- World History Studies, World Geography Studies, or any science course approved by the State Board of Education
(If substituting Chemistry or Physics for IPC, you must use one of these as academic elective credit here.)
Physical Education ........................................................1.5
- Foundations of Personal Fitness (0.5 with a limit of 2.0 credits)
- Can substitute drill team, marching band, cheerleading, JROTC, athletics, Dance I-IV, approved private programs, or certain career and technology education courses
Languages other than English .............................................None
Health Education ...................................................0.5 to 1.0
- Health Education (0.5) or Health Science Technology (1.0)
Technology Applications ...................................................1.0
Fine Arts ................................................................None
Speech ....................................................................0.5
Additional Components (elective courses) ..................................5.5
- From the list of courses approved by the State Board of Education for Grades 9-12 (relating to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills),
- From state-approved innovative courses, JROTC (1.0 to 4.0 credits), or
- Driver Education (0.5)
TOTAL CREDITS ......................................22.0
Graduation Checklist
Reach Your Goal
- Keep track of your high school credits to be sure you will meet all local and state requirements by the end of your senior year.
- Consider taking Advanced Placement or dual enrollment courses to earn college credit while still in high school.
- Begin keeping a list of the awards and honors you receive (handy for scholarship applications) as well as extracurricular activities.
- During your sophomore year, begin researching the universities or colleges you are interested in attending. Check what prerequisites are required for admittance and any time lines required for applications.
- Explore your interests and take advantage of Career Day opportunities.
- If you are not sure what college or university you are interested in, attend the college nights hosted by your high school. While you have the opportunity, be sure to talk with school representatives about what types of financial aid may be available.
- If possible, take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in your sophomore year for practice, but in your junior year, take the PSAT for eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Students who take the PSAT tend to score higher on the SAT than those who do not.
- Check with your counselor’s office to learn about available scholarships. Be sure to begin applying early and for as many scholarships as possible. Do not limit yourself just to local scholarships.
- Sign up and take the ACT and/or SAT test, preferably in your junior year but no later than the fall of your senior year.
This information is from the Texas Education Agency website:
Texas Education Agency
512-463-9734
http://www.tea.state.tx.us