I had to share this somewhere because my parents didn't seem as excited as I am, but I just had my credit check meeting with my counselor and I'M OFFICIALLY ON TRACK TO GRADUATE!! 
For the longest time I was so confused about how many credits to graduate high school in texas, especially because my older sister graduated under the old "Recommended" plan and kept telling me different numbers than what my counselor was saying. I'm a senior now (class of 2025!) and I finally understand the system well enough to explain it to other confused underclassmen.
So here's the breakdown that finally made sense to my brain: You need 22 credits minimum under the Foundation plan, but honestly most of us are doing endorsements which means 26 credits. The way I kept track was using a checklist app on my phone! Every time I finished a course, I checked it off. For anyone stressing about this, here's what worked for me:
), but US History gave me trouble. Had to retake that one sophomore year. So for anyone wondering, yes, you have to pass ALL FIVE: Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II, and US History . Don't be like me and assume you're done after four!
Anyway, just wanted to post a positive update because I spent so many nights stressed about this and now I can finally see the finish line. For all the underclassmen stressing about requirements—you'll get there! And if I can do it, anyone can. I failed a math class sophomore year and still recovered.
For the longest time I was so confused about how many credits to graduate high school in texas, especially because my older sister graduated under the old "Recommended" plan and kept telling me different numbers than what my counselor was saying. I'm a senior now (class of 2025!) and I finally understand the system well enough to explain it to other confused underclassmen.
So here's the breakdown that finally made sense to my brain: You need 22 credits minimum under the Foundation plan, but honestly most of us are doing endorsements which means 26 credits. The way I kept track was using a checklist app on my phone! Every time I finished a course, I checked it off. For anyone stressing about this, here's what worked for me:
- English (4 credits): English I, II, III, and I took Creative Writing as my advanced
- Math (4 credits): Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Statistics
- Science (4 credits): Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Forensic Science (so fun!)
- Social Studies (3 credits): World Geography, US History, Gov/Econ
- Foreign Language (2 credits): Two years of Spanish
- Fine Arts (1 credit): Art I
- PE (1 credit): Foundations of Personal Fitness
- Electives (the rest): I loaded up on yearbook and student council
), but US History gave me trouble. Had to retake that one sophomore year. So for anyone wondering, yes, you have to pass ALL FIVE: Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II, and US History . Don't be like me and assume you're done after four!Anyway, just wanted to post a positive update because I spent so many nights stressed about this and now I can finally see the finish line. For all the underclassmen stressing about requirements—you'll get there! And if I can do it, anyone can. I failed a math class sophomore year and still recovered.