GISD Graduation Requirements

IMPORTANT NOTE: Students will complete the State Recommended Program unless otherwise determined by a parent conference following the sophomore year. Students are strongly encouraged to consider the Distinguished Achievement Program. Completion of either the State Recommended Program or the Distinguished Achievement Program may enable students to qualify for special scholarships, such as the TEXAS Grant.

The State Recommended Program or the Distinguished Achievement Program also serve as the foundation for the Texas Scholars Program. For additional requirements and information, visit the Texas Scholars Program page.


Required High School Credits per Course
Content Area
GISD Minimum Program
State Recommended Program

State Recommended Program
(for Freshman in
2007-2008 & after)
English 4* 4* 4*
Mathematics

3**

(Algebra I, Geometry, and one additional credit)

3**

(Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II)

4***

(Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II, and one additional credit)
Science****

3 *****

(Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)

3 *****

(Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)

4

(Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and one additional course)

Social Studies 4 4 4
Languages
Other than English

2

(in same language)

2

(in same language)

2

(in same language)

Health ½ ½ ½
Fine Arts

½

1 year-long course

(not speech or debate)

1 year-long course

(not speech or debate)
Communications
Applications 		½ ½ ½
Physical
Education		 1½****** 1½****** 1½******
Technology
Applications		 1 year-long course 1 year-long course 1 year-long course
Electives 4 3½

3½
TOTAL Credits 24 24 26

*
Students receiving credit for English I in eighth grade must complete a total of 5 credits.

**
Students receiving credit for Algebra I in eighth grade must complete a total of 4 credits.

***
For freshman in 2007-2008 and every year thereafter, Mathematical Models with Applications may count for one of the four math courses on the State Recommended Program as long as it is completed prior to Algebra II.

****
Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) may be used as a science credit if taken prior to 2005-2006 or if both Chemistry and Physics have been taken but one of them was not passed.

*****
Students receiving credit for Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) in eighth grade must complete a total of 4 credits .

******
Maximum of 2 credits in physical education can count toward graduation requirements.