Knowing how many credits to graduate high school in Texas is essential for students and parents planning the high school journey. Understanding core courses, electives, and STAAR EOC exams through this guide helps students stay on track to earn their diplomas successfully.
How Many Credits to Graduate High School in Texas
Understanding how many credits to graduate high school in Texas helps students select electives and endorsements wisely.
Students start with the Foundation High School Program, which mandates a minimum of 22 credits across core subjects and electives. Students can check the official Texas Education Agency graduation requirements
Endorsements allow students to specialize in a focus area, raising the total credits to 26, depending on the chosen path.
Options include STEM, Business & Industry, Arts & Humanities, Public Services, and Multidisciplinary studies. Each endorsement requires additional courses in core subjects and electives.
Core courses cover essential subjects such as English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Languages Other Than English, Physical Education, and Fine Arts. Electives allow students to explore interests or prepare for college and careers. Together, core courses and electives build the foundation of the required credits.
Passing the STAAR EOC exams is also necessary for graduation. These exams include Algebra I, English I & II, Biology, and U.S. History. Students must pass each to fulfill Texas graduation requirements.
For example, a student pursuing the STEM Endorsement may take four years of math and science courses plus additional electives, reaching 26 credits. A student in Business & Industry might focus more on business, technology, and electives relevant to that endorsement.
| Course Type | Foundation Credits | Endorsement Credits |
| English | 4 | 4 |
| Math | 3 | 4 |
| Science | 3 | 4 |
| Social Studies | 3 | 3 |
| LOTE | 2 | 2 |
| Physical Education | 1 | 1 |
| Fine Arts | 1 | 1 |
| Electives | 5 | 7 |
| Total | 22 | 26 |
For students planning their courses, knowing how many credits to graduate high school in Texas ensures timely completion.
Special Cases & Additional Graduation Requirements
Students in Texas sometimes face unique situations that require adjustments to the standard graduation path. Understanding these special cases ensures no one misses essential requirements.
Transfer Students & Virtual/Online Schools
Transfer students must consider how many credits to graduate high school in Texas to meet Texas Education Agency requirements.
Credits earned at other Texas schools or out-of-state institutions may transfer if they align with TEA standards. Virtual or online students must meet the same core and elective requirements, but they may have flexibility in scheduling.
Counselors help ensure students satisfy minimum credit totals while accommodating different learning environments.
STAAR EOC Exams and Other Requirements
Even if students track how many credits to graduate high school in Texas, passing STAAR EOC exams remains mandatory.
All students must pass five STAAR EOC exams: Algebra I, English I & II, Biology, and U.S. History. Passing these exams ensures eligibility for graduation. All students must pass STAAR EOC exams, as detailed on the official Texas Education Agency STAAR website
Seniors are also encouraged to complete FAFSA or TASFA applications to explore financial aid for college or technical programs. Meeting all credit and exam requirements is essential for obtaining a diploma.
Planning Your Coursework: How Many Credits to Graduate in Texas High School
Parents and students often wonder how many credits to graduate in Texas high school when choosing electives and endorsements. Students and parents can map out four-year plans that balance core courses, electives, and endorsement courses.
Begin by reviewing the 22-credit Foundation Plan. Assign each core subject to a specific year, ensuring prerequisites like Algebra I or English I are completed on time. Electives can be distributed to complement interests or college preparation.
Endorsements influence which additional courses are needed. STEM students may take extra math and science, while Business & Industry students might focus on technology or business-related electives. Tracking credits each semester prevents missing critical requirements.
Using planners or online school tracking tools helps maintain awareness of progress. Students who monitor their credit completion reduce the risk of unexpected graduation delays. Planning ahead also allows time to retake courses or STAAR exams if necessary.
Careful planning helps ensure students complete all requirements and know how many credits to graduate high school in Texas.
FAQs About High School Credits in Texas for Graduation
Here are some common questions students and parents ask about how many high school credits to graduate in Texas when reviewing graduation guides.
1. What happens if I fail a core course?
Failing a core course may delay graduation. Students can retake the course or recover credits through summer school or online options. Maintaining progress each year ensures the timely completion of the required credits.
2. Are endorsements required?
Endorsements are optional but recommended for students seeking specialized skills or college preparation. Completing an endorsement can raise total credits from 22 to 26.
3. Can electives be substituted for core courses?
Electives cannot replace required core courses. Students must complete all core credits to satisfy Texas graduation requirements. Electives provide additional learning opportunities but do not reduce core credit requirements.
Conclusion
Knowing how many credits to graduate high school in Texas helps students and parents plan a clear path to graduation. Completing at least 22 credits in the Foundation Plan and adding endorsements when desired ensures readiness for college or career.
Core courses, electives, and STAAR EOC exams are all essential steps. Use this HanksTexasGrill guide to track credits, plan coursework, and stay on schedule for a successful high school completion.
