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Foundation High School Program
Students graduating from a Texas high school must complete core graduation requirements outlined under the Foundation High School Program. Students will be able to earn one or more endorsements as part of their graduation requirements that provide in-depth knowledge of a subject area. The program allows students to pursue their interests and contains up to four parts:
Credit requirements for the foundation program, which is the core of the new Texas high school diploma
Five endorsement options that allow students to focus on a related series of courses
Distinguished Level of Achievement Requirements
Performance Acknowledgments for outstanding achievement
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Endorsements
Endorsements consist of a related series of courses that are grouped together by interest or skill set. Students must select an endorsement in the ninth grade. Visit your school counselor to learn more about your options. Students may earn more than one endorsement.
The North East ISD High School Course Catalog is a listing of all courses and their descriptions.
Graduation ceremony information is located on the Foundation High School Program Requirements
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The prescribed program for ALL NEISD students is the Distinguished Level of Achievement. Any student considering graduation on the Foundation High School Program without earning an endorsement must see a counselor. Written parent/guardian permission on an official TEA form is required. NEISD students may not elect to move to the Foundation High School Program until the end of their third year in High School.
* Students will choose one of five endorsement options: Multidisciplinary Studies, STEM, Business and Industry, Public Services, or Arts and Humanities. Each endorsement requires specific courses. Additional credits may be required depending upon the specific endorsement you choose. Please see your counselor for more details. Students may also earn a Performance Acknowledgement through Dual Credit, Bilingualism/Biliteracy, Languages Other Than English, Advanced Placement, PSAT/SAT/ACT, or a Business Certification or License.
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Foundation High School Program
English Language Arts - 4 credits
Four credits are required. English I, II, III, and an Advanced English Course are required. Immigrant students with limited English proficiency may substitute English I SOL and English II SOL for English I and II only
Mathematics - 3 credits
Three credits are required. Algebra I and Geometry are required courses. The remaining credit is an Advanced Math.
Science - 3 credits
Three credits are required. One credit must be Biology. One credit must be either IPC, Chemistry, or Physics. One credit must be an Advanced Science.
Social Studies - 3 credits
Three credits are required. World Geography or World History is required. U.S. History, U.S. Government, and Economics (free enterprise) are required.
Languages other than English - 2 credits
Two credits of the same language OR two credits in computer programming languages are required. Some exceptions exist- see your counselor for more information.
Physical Education - 1 credit
One credit is required. This credit may be earned through PE or an approved PE substitution.
Health Education - .5 credit
One-half credit is required.
Fine Arts - 1 credit
One credit is required and may be selected from courses in the areas of Art, Dance, Music, Theatre, Floral Design, Digital Art and Animations, and 3-D Modeling and Animations.
Electives - 4.5 credits
Four and one-half credits are required.
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Foundation High School Program with Endorsement
English Language Arts - 4 credits*
Four credits are required. English I, II, III, and an Advanced English Course are required. Immigrant students with limited English proficiency may substitute English I SOL and English II SOL for English I and II only. *
Mathematics - 4 credits*
Four credits are required. Algebra I and Geometry are required courses. The remaining two credits must be Advanced Math courses. *
Science - 4 credits*
Four credits are required. One credit must be Biology. One credit must be either IPC, Chemistry, or Physics. The remaining two credits must be Advanced Science courses. *
Social Studies - 3 credits*
Three credits are required. World Geography or World History is required. U.S. History, U.S. Government, and Economics (free enterprise) are required. *
Languages other than English - 2 credits*
Two credits of the same language OR two credits in computer programming languages are required. Some exceptions exist- see your counselor for more information. *
Physical Education - 1 credit
One credit is required. This credit may be earned through PE or an approved PE substitution.
Health Education - .5 credit
One-half credit is required.
Fine Arts - 1 credit*
One credit is required and may be selected from courses in the areas of Art, Dance, Music, Theatre, Floral Design, Digital Art and Animations, and 3-D Modeling and Animations. *
Electives - 6.5 credits
Six and one-half credits are required.
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Foundation High School Program with Distinguished Level of Achievement(requires completion of at least one Endorsement)
English Language Arts - 4 credits*
Four credits are required. English I, II, III, and an Advanced English Course are required. Immigrant students with limited English proficiency may substitute English I SOL and English II SOL for English I and II only. *
Mathematics - 4 credits*
(Algebra II required)
Four credits are required. Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II are required courses. The remaining credit must be an Advanced Math course. *
Science - 4 credits*
Four credits are required. One credit must be Biology. One credit must be either IPC, Chemistry, or Physics. The remaining two credits must be Advanced Science courses. *
Social Studies - 3 credits*
Three credits are required. World Geography or World History is required. U.S. History, U.S. Government, and Economics (free enterprise) are required. *
Languages other than English - 2 credits*
Two credits of the same language OR two credits in computer programming languages are required. Some exceptions exist- see your counselor for more information. *
Physical Education - 1 credit
One credit is required. This credit may be earned through PE or an approved PE substitution.
Health Education - .5 credit
One-half credit is required.
Fine Arts - 1 credit*
One credit is required and may be selected from courses in the areas of Art, Dance, Music, Theatre, Floral Design, Digital Art and Animations, and 3-D Modeling and Animations. *
Electives - 6.5 credits
Six and one-half credits are required.
