• Graduation Program Overview 

    Students who enter the ninth grade in the fall of 2014 and thereafter must enroll in courses necessary to complete the Foundation High School Program with an endorsement (FHSP+E). This program is a more flexible graduation program that allows students to pursue their passion and interests to prepare for high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand occupations. Students may customize their high school experience beyond the Foundation High School Program by completing requirements for additional components such as Endorsements, Performance Acknowledgments and Distinguished Level of Achievements (DLA).  

     

    Endorsement Overview  

    An Endorsement is a specialized area of focus, containing a sequence of courses in a specific area of study. To earn an Endorsement, students must complete a coherent sequence of courses for four or more credits which includes one advanced course in the designated program of study in addition to their other graduation requirements.  The Five Endorsement Areas are: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Arts and Humanities, Business and Industry, Public Services, and Multidisciplinary Studies. The Endorsement earned will be reflected on the student’s official transcript at the completion of their high school career. 

     

    *A student entering 9th grade must indicate an Endorsement he or she plans to follow. A student may change or add an Endorsement at any time. A student may graduate without earning an Endorsement if, after his or her sophomore year, the student’s parent signs a form permitting the student to omit the Endorsement requirement. 

     

    Distinguished Level of Achievement 

    Distinguished Level of Achievement is a higher performance category when students complete the foundation plan with Endorsement (26 credits) and their course work includes Algebra II as one of the math courses. The Distinguished Level of Achievement must be earned to be admitted to a Texas public university under the Top 10 percent automatic admission law. The Distinguished Level of Achievement opens a world of educational and employment opportunities for students beyond high school.  

     

    The distinguished level of achievement does the following: 

     

    •  Allows students to compete for Top 10% automatic admissions eligibility at almost any Texas public university;   

     

    •  Makes students more competitive applicants at selective colleges and universities;  

     

    • Prepares students for college-level coursework at community/technical colleges and universities;  

     

    • Lays a strong foundation for successful completion of an industry workforce credential or college degree.