The Foundation High School Program
Classes of 2025–2029: Foundation High School Program with an endorsement, 22 credits, or 26 with an endorsement.
| Subject | Credits | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| English | 4 | English I, II and III (or comparable AP/IB), and one more from the state’s list. |
| Math | 3 | Algebra I, Geometry and one more from the state’s list. |
| Science | 3 | Biology; IPC, Chemistry, Physics or Physics for Engineering; and one more lab science. |
| Social studies | 3 | US History, US Government (½), Economics (½, or Personal Financial Literacy & Economics), and World History or World Geography. |
| Languages other than English | 2 | Two levels of the same language, or two credits from the state’s computer science list. |
| Physical education | 1 | Athletics, JROTC, drill team, band or cheer can substitute where the district allows. |
| Fine arts | 1 | |
| Electives | 5 |
Not courses, but required: end-of-course exams; FAFSA, TASFA or an opt-out form; and opting in or out of direct admission on My Texas Future (every student enrolled in 2026-27).
Speech is a proficiency each district decides, not a credit.
The five endorsements
An endorsement is a focus area, chosen when your teen starts high school and changeable later. Each one adds 4 credits: a fourth math, a fourth science and two more electives in its area. How to choose an endorsement
STEM
Algebra II, Chemistry and Physics (or Physics for Engineering), plus one of: a CTE STEM program of study; 2 more math courses with Algebra II as a prerequisite; 2 more science courses; or one more of each.
Business and Industry
A CTE program of study in the area, or 4 English credits including 3 levels of public speaking, debate or advanced journalism.
Public Services
A CTE program of study in the area, or 4 JROTC courses.
Arts and Humanities
5 social studies credits; 4 levels of one language (or 2 each of two, or 4 of ASL); a 4-credit fine arts sequence; or 4 English credits from the state’s list.
Multidisciplinary Studies
4 advanced courses; 4 credits in each core subject including Chemistry and/or Physics and English IV; or 4 AP, IB or dual credit courses.
The Distinguished Level of Achievement
Distinguished Level of Achievement: the Foundation program with at least one endorsement, including 4 science credits and 4 math credits with Algebra II. Public school graduates need it (or a qualifying test score) for top 10% automatic admission.
- 4 math credits including Algebra II
- 4 science credits
What the Distinguished Level means for college
Top 10% automatic admission
Top 10% of the graduating class at a Texas high school, with the Distinguished Level of Achievement or a qualifying test score. Rank counts at the end of grade 11, the middle of grade 12 or graduation, whichever is most recent at the application deadline. UT Austin admits the top 5% for 2027 and 2028 entry.
What changes for the class of 2030
Students starting grade 9 in 2026–27 graduate on updated social studies rules:
Students entering grade 9 in 2026-27 or later: US History, US Government (½), Personal Financial Literacy (½), and one credit of World History, World Geography or Economics. Foundations of Economics arrives in 2033-34; until then AP, IB or dual credit economics can fill that option.
Rules by district
The state sets the minimum. Each district adds its own: how GPA is weighted, how rank is counted, which courses meet each requirement. Pennantist plans by your district’s own rules.
- Katy ISD: open now
- Lamar CISD: open now
- Any other Texas district: pick it when you sign up. It opens when 5 families ask for it.
Sources, checked Nov 7, 2026
- 19 TAC Chapter 74 Subchapter B (§74.11–§74.14), graduation requirements (August 2026 update)
- Texas Education Code chapter 28 (§28.025) (current)
- TEA: Graduation requirements and My Texas Future portal, August 20, 2026 (2026-27)
- Texas Education Code §51.803, automatic admission (current)
- UT Austin: Review & Decision Process (2026-27)
- TEA: Automatic admission eligibility notice, college entry 2028 (posted October 2026)
Rules change. Confirm with your school counselor before course selection.
