Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Overview
Texas public school students must meet state graduation requirements to earn a high school diploma. Pasadena ISD follows the Foundation High School Program, which provides flexibility for students to customize their educational path through endorsements, dual credit courses, and advanced academics while preparing for college, career, or military service.
Graduation Plans
Foundation High School Program
22 credits required
The standard graduation plan includes:
- English (4 credits): English I, II, III, and an advanced English course
- Math (3 credits): Algebra I, Geometry, and an advanced math course
- Science (3 credits): Biology, IPC/Chemistry/Physics, and an advanced science course
- Social Studies (3 credits): World History/Geography, U.S. History, Government (0.5), Economics (0.5)
- Languages Other Than English (2 credits)
- Physical Education (1 credit)
- Fine Arts (1 credit)
- Electives (5 credits)
Foundation High School Program Plus Endorsement
26 credits required
Includes all Foundation requirements plus:
- An endorsement in your area of interest
- One additional math credit (Algebra II recommended)
- One additional science credit
- Two additional electives
Distinguished Level of Achievement (DLA)
26 credits required
Earns automatic college admission eligibility and requires:
- Four credits in math, including Algebra II
- Four credits in science
- Completion of an endorsement
Texas First Program
Early graduation opportunity
High-achieving students can graduate early and earn scholarship dollars. See the Scholarships section for details.
Endorsement Options
Students may earn one or more endorsements by completing specialized coursework:
- STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
- Complete Algebra II, chemistry, physics, plus CTE courses or additional advanced math and science.
- Business & Industry — Develop business, management, and entrepreneurial skills
- Complete CTE courses in business, finance, marketing, or information technology.
- Public Service — Prepare for law enforcement, military, education, or human services
- Complete JROTC or public service CTE courses.
- Arts & Humanities — Explore languages, fine arts, and cultural studies
- Complete four credits in fine arts, languages other than English, or advanced English electives.
- Multidisciplinary Studies — Flexible pathway combining rigorous academics
- Complete four AP/IB courses, advanced core courses, or a combination of college-level work.
Key Requirements
End-of-Course (EOC) Exams
Students must pass five EOC exams:
- English I
- English II
- Algebra I
- Biology
- U.S. History
Financial Aid Application
All seniors must complete one of the following:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid)
- Financial Aid Opt-Out Form
Additional Graduation Requirements
- Speech proficiency — Demonstrated through coursework or assessment
- CPR/AED training — Instruction required before graduation
- Peace officer interaction training — Community Safety Education Act requirement
Important: Algebra II & College Eligibility
State law does not require Algebra II for graduation, but students who do not complete Algebra II may lose eligibility for:
- Automatic admission to Texas public universities under the top 10% law
- TEXAS Grant and other state financial aid programs
- Distinguished Level of Achievement designation
Recommendation: Take Algebra II to keep college options open.
Required Notification Regarding Algebra II as a High School Graduation Requirement
Resources
- Full Graduation Toolkit:
- Pasadena ISD Course Selection Guide:
- Personal Graduation Plan (PGP):
- Create your plan using MapMyGrad at Texas OnCourse.
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