Graduation Requirements

Irving ISD • Class of 2028 and Beyond

Irving ISD students will pursue the Foundation High School Program at a Distinguished Level of Achievement upon entering 9th grade. Review the requirements below to ensure you're on track to graduate.

Three Graduation Programs Available

Students can choose from three graduation pathways, each with increasing requirements. All students enter 9th grade in the Foundation Program and can add endorsements for a Distinguished Achievement designation.

Foundation HS Program
Total Credits: 22
English 4 credits
English I, II, III and an advanced English course
Mathematics 3 credits
Including Algebra I, Geometry, and an advanced math course
Science 3 credits
Biology, IPC and one advanced course OR Biology and two advanced courses
Social Studies 3 credits
World Geography OR World History, US History, Government and Economics
Physical Education 1 credit
PE courses or athletics participation
Languages Other Than English 2 credits
Two credits in the same language
Fine Arts 1 credit
Any fine arts course
Comm. App./Prof. Comm. (Speech) ½ credit
Recommended but not required
Health ½ credit
Recommended but not required
Electives 4 credits
Any elective courses of your choice
Foundation with Endorsement(s)
Total Credits: 26
English 4 credits
Same as Foundation Program
Mathematics 4 credits
Including Algebra 1, Geometry, and two advanced math courses
Science 4 credits
Biology, IPC and two advanced courses OR Bio and three advanced courses
Social Studies 3 credits
Same as Foundation Program
Physical Education 1 credit
PE courses or athletics participation
Languages Other Than English 2 credits
Two credits in the same language
Fine Arts 1 credit
Any fine arts course
Comm. App./Prof. Comm. (Speech) ½ credit
Same as Foundation Program
Health ½ credit
Recommended but not required
Requirements of an Endorsement See Below
Must complete all requirements for at least one endorsement
Electives (including endorsement courses) 6 credits
Electives including endorsement-required courses
Distinguished Achievement
Total Credits: 26
English 4 credits
Same as Foundation Program
Mathematics 4 credits
Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra II, and an advanced math course
Science 4 credits
Same as Foundation with Endorsement
Social Studies 3 credits
Same as Foundation Program
Physical Education 1 credit
PE courses or athletics participation
Languages Other Than English 2 credits
Two credits in the same language
Fine Arts 1 credit
Any fine arts course
Comm. App./Prof. Comm. (Speech) ½ credit
Same as Foundation Program
Health ½ credit
Recommended but not required
Requirements of an Endorsement See Below
Must complete all requirements for at least one endorsement
Electives (including endorsement courses) 6 credits
Electives including endorsement-required courses

Financial Aid Requirements (Class of 2026 and Beyond)

In accordance with Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.0256, beginning with students enrolled in 12th grade during the 2021-2022 school year, each student must complete one of the following in order to graduate:

Note: Students interested in bypassing the benefits of graduating with an endorsement should understand that it is in their best interest to graduate with an endorsement, as this demonstrates college readiness and opens more opportunities.

Physical Education Credit Options

PE courses may replace this requirement through participation in:

Certain courses may replace this requirement. See your counselor for a complete list of eligible courses.