Texas Scholars Program

Texas Scholars are high school students in the Garland Independent School District who have made the commitment to themselves to complete a challenging curriculum plan.  Why?  It's because they know that they will be gaining a high level of skills and after graduation will be better prepared to enter the job market or begin college.

During each school year, each high school campus hosts a special awards ceremony honoring graduating Texas Scholars.  In addition, they receive a special designation on their diploma and recognition during commencement exercises.  Either the State Recommended Plan or the Distinguished Achievement Program serves as the foundation for the Texas Scholars Program.

Texas Scholars Requirements for Students Entering Ninth Grade in 2005-2006 or Prior:

  • Complete the State Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Program.
  • Complete one additional course chosen from the following:
    • Precalculus
    • Third year of another language
    • Physics (if not counted as one of the three science credits)
    • AP/IB course that is not used as a requirement

Texas Scholars Requirements for Students Entering Ninth Grade in 2006-2007 and After:

  1. Complete the State Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Program.
  2. Achieve "Texas Ready" scores on one of the following tests:
    • 11th grade TAKS: 2200 on both math and English Language Arts and a "3" on  the writing sample;
    • SAT:  A combined score of 1070 on Math and Critical Reading and at least 500  on each; or
    • ACT:  A composite score of 21 and at least 19 on English and 22 on Math.
  3. Develop and carry out a personal High School and Beyond plan for the four years of high school and a transition to college, the workplace, the military, or another endeavor of the student's choosing.