Understanding and successfully navigating Texas graduation requirements can make the difference between your child graduating on time with confidence and needing to catch up on credits in their senior year. With a clear plan, students can progress toward graduation with confidence.
To help you, we put together this guide that covers:
We also cover Fusion Academy — a private high school and middle school offering both individual classes for credit and a full-time program. Students can take as many classes as needed to meet graduation requirements. With campuses in Texas, a fully online program, and a one-to-one student-to-teacher ratio, Fusion Academy is ideal for all types of students, including those with ADHD, school anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and more. Please contact us for more information.
Understanding Texas Foundation High School Program Requirements
The Texas Foundation Program requires a minimum of 22 credits across seven subject areas, serving as the baseline for all Texas high school graduates. This program was designed to ensure all students receive a well-rounded education while providing flexibility for different learning paths.
Here is the breakdown of the core requirements:
- English Language Arts demands 4 credits, including English I, II, III, and an additional advanced English course. These courses develop critical reading, writing, and communication skills essential for post-secondary success.
- Mathematics requires a minimum of 3 credits, with Algebra I and Geometry being mandatory, plus one additional high school-level math course. Students planning for college should consider taking mathematics through Algebra II or higher to meet university admission requirements.
- Science mandates 3 credits, including Biology as a requirement, plus Chemistry or Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC), and one additional lab-based science course. The lab component ensures students gain hands-on experience with scientific methodology.
- Social Studies requires 3 credits covering World History or World Geography, US History, US Government (0.5 credit), and Economics (0.5 credit). These courses develop civic knowledge and critical thinking about historical and contemporary issues.
- Students must complete 2 credits in Languages other than English, which can be satisfied through two years of the same foreign language or computer programming courses. This requirement recognizes the importance of global communication or technological literacy.
- Physical Education (1 credit) and Fine Arts (1 credit) round out the core requirements. PE can be substituted with participation in athletics, JROTC, marching band, or drill team.
The remaining 5 elective credits provide flexibility for students to explore interests, strengthen college preparation, or pursue career and technical education pathways.
But fulfilling core requirements isn’t the whole picture. In Texas, students entering 9th grade must choose from 5 endorsement options, which increases the required credits from 22 to 26. We talk about this more below.
Texas High School Endorsement Options and Benefits
Students entering 9th grade must choose from five endorsement areas that function like college majors. These endorsements increase the required amount of credits for graduation from 22 credits to 26. And while a student can opt out of their endorsement plan — with the permission of a parent or guardian — it’s not recommended, especially for those students planning to attend college after they graduate.
This is because endorsements help students develop deeper expertise in areas aligned with their interests and career goals.
Here are the different endorsements available:
- The STEM Endorsement appeals to students interested in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics careers and uniquely requires Algebra II, Chemistry, and Physics. Students in this pathway often pursue additional advanced math and science courses to prepare for STEM college programs.
- The Business and Industry Endorsement covers diverse career paths, including architecture, finance, information technology, and project management through Career and Technical Education (CTE) course sequences. This pathway allows students to gain practical skills while meeting graduation requirements.
- The Public Service Endorsement prepares students for careers in education, government, health science, or law enforcement through specialized coursework or JROTC participation. Students might focus on areas like culinary arts, education and training, or health science technology.
- The Arts and Humanities Endorsement allows for exploration of foreign languages, social studies, or fine arts, with requirements like four levels of the same language or advanced coursework in humanities subjects.
- The Multidisciplinary Studies Endorsement offers flexibility for students with broad interests or those uncertain about career paths through advanced courses from multiple areas rather than a deep focus in one field.
Students can graduate without an endorsement only with parental permission after the sophomore year; however, this may limit college admission opportunities under Texas’s Top 10% rule, which grants automatic admission to all Texas state-funded public universities for students in the top 10% of their class. Without an endorsement as part of their diploma, students may not qualify for this policy.
Required State Testing and Assessment Requirements
Texas requires students to pass five STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) exams:
- Algebra I
- English I
- English II
- Biology
- US History
These assessments ensure students have mastered essential skills in core subject areas.
Students must pass all five EOC exams to receive their diploma, with multiple retake opportunities available for those who don’t succeed initially. Additionally, many schools provide remediation between testing attempts to help students improve their performance.
Individual Graduation Committees can review cases where students fail one or two EOC exams but have otherwise met graduation requirements. These committees evaluate whether students have demonstrated mastery through alternative measures.
Students take these exams upon completing the corresponding courses, but not necessarily all within the same year. This allows students to focus on mastering content as they progress through their high school coursework rather than facing all assessments at once.
For students with learning differences such as ADHD, autism, or dyslexia, accommodations available during regular classroom instruction typically apply to STAAR testing as well, ensuring fair assessment of their knowledge and skills.
How Fusion Academy Ensures Texas Graduation Requirement Success
Fusion Academy is a private middle school and high school with campuses throughout Texas. We also offer classes online.
What makes Fusion Academy unique — and a great option for students who need to fulfill their high school graduation requirements — is the personalization.
At Fusion Academy, students can:
- Enroll in a full-time program
- Enroll in individual classes for credit
- Enroll in tutoring sessions, including math and reading remediation programs
And more.
Because classrooms have a one-to-one student-to-teacher ratio, each student receives individual attention, making it possible to address learning challenges while building on strengths.
For students in Texas, we have campuses in:
Students can also enroll in Fusion Academy’s online program, Fusion Global Academy.
Our approach to education has proven successful, especially with those on track to attend college after graduation.
For example, out of our 2024 graduating class:
- 99% of applicants were accepted to a 4-year college
- 87% of Fusion students attended their first-choice college
- 58% received merit scholarships, with an average award of $51,547
Fusion Academy’s impact goes beyond academics. Our personalized, 1-to-1 approach helps students feel seen and supported. After just three months at Fusion, students report feeling more supported — both academically and emotionally — and forming stronger social connections with their peers. It’s not just about where students go after attending Fusion; it’s about who they become while they’re here.
You can contact us to learn more about the high school courses we offer in Texas, or keep reading to learn more about Fusion Academy’s academic programs.
Full-Time Programs for High School Students
Fusion’s full-time high school program provides comprehensive education that meets all Texas graduation requirements through completely personalized instruction. Students can choose from Essential courses, College Preparatory courses, Honors courses, and AP® courses to meet requirements while building on their individual strengths and addressing learning needs.
Fusion’s flexible scheduling also allows students to create custom schedules that work around other commitments, with campuses open from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Students can progress at their own pace rather than waiting for traditional semester breaks, ensuring they stay on track for graduation.
Classes for Credit
For high school students who only need a few specific courses to meet graduation requirements, Fusion offers individual classes for credit. This option is ideal for students who need to make up credits, get ahead in certain subjects, or supplement their current school’s offerings.
Students can take just the courses they need while maintaining their current school enrollment, providing targeted support without requiring a complete school change. This flexibility helps students stay on track for graduation even when they’ve fallen behind in specific subject areas.
Tutoring/Mentoring and Remediation
Students who are behind a grade level or more in their studies can access specialized tutoring and mentoring programs to help them catch up while meeting graduation requirements. The one-to-one model allows teachers to identify exactly where students are struggling and implement evidence-based strategies to address learning gaps.
Teachers can accommodate IEPs and 504 plans seamlessly within graduation requirements, ensuring students with learning differences receive appropriate support. The personalized approach means students can work on foundational skills while simultaneously progressing through required coursework.
Online Learning Options
Through Fusion Global Academy’s online learning program, students can meet Texas graduation requirements entirely online while maintaining the same one-to-one personalized instruction. Online classes can be scheduled between 5:30 AM and 11:30 PM Eastern Time, providing even greater flexibility for students with unique circumstances.
Students can also create hybrid schedules combining in-person and online classes, allowing maximum customization of their educational experience while ensuring they complete all required coursework for graduation.
Post-Secondary Counseling Services
For Texas families investing in private education, college outcomes represent the ultimate return on their educational investment. Fusion Academy recognizes this priority by providing comprehensive post-secondary counseling that goes far beyond traditional college guidance.
At Fusion, full-time students* receive a complimentary advising session with our in-house network of counselors and advisors who are experienced in helping students decide the best path for life after high school.
In 1-to-1 virtual sessions, our counselors can help with:
- Post-secondary planning
- Resume creation and building
- Course selection
- College prep timeline review
- SAT/ACT testing timeline review
- Help with applying for scholarships and financial aid
- Help with reviewing and completing college applications
- College admissions interview preparation
Fusion Academy achieves a 99% college acceptance rate for students who apply to a 4-year college, with 87% attending their first-choice institution — demonstrating not just exceptional college acceptance but successful college matching. Additionally, 58% of Fusion graduates receive merit scholarships, indicating the academic caliber of their preparation.
Fusion students have gained admission to top universities, including Stanford, MIT, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, and Georgetown, proving that personalized education can compete with traditional preparatory programs.
*Advising sessions can also be enrolled in separately for non-full-time students.
Support Beyond Traditional College Paths
Recognizing that not every student follows a conventional college trajectory, Fusion counselors also provide guidance for alternative post-secondary paths. They assist students interested in gap years, vocational schools, military service, and transition programs for students with disabilities. This comprehensive approach ensures every student receives appropriate guidance for their individual post-graduation goals, whether pursuing immediate college enrollment or alternative pathways to success.
How to Plan Your Student’s Path to Texas Graduation
First, review your student’s current transcript to identify which credits they’ve already earned and which remain outstanding. This will provide the foundation for creating a realistic graduation timeline.
Work with school counselors to map out a plan that incorporates both graduation requirements and your student’s interests or career goals. Consider whether an endorsement pathway aligns with your child’s goals or if the Foundation Program provides sufficient preparation.
Monitor progress on required courses annually, paying special attention if your student struggles in traditional classroom environments. Early intervention can prevent students from falling behind and requiring intensive remediation later.
Plan ahead for STAAR EOC exams by ensuring students receive adequate preparation in Algebra I, English I and II, Biology, and US History. Students who struggle with high-stakes testing may benefit from additional support or alternative educational approaches.
Consider your child’s individual learning needs when evaluating whether traditional classroom settings will provide adequate support for meeting graduation requirements. Students with learning differences, anxiety, or other challenges may need more personalized approaches to succeed.
Remember that graduation requirements represent minimums — students planning for competitive colleges should exceed these standards with additional advanced coursework that demonstrates their readiness for higher education.
If you’re looking to prepare your student for a successful graduation and life beyond high school, our personalized approach at Fusion Academy ensures students not only meet all Texas graduation requirements but also develop the confidence and skills necessary for success beyond high school.
