WELCOME TO HIGH SCHOOL 101

WHY HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION NOW? Middle School students may earn high school credit Earning high school credit means a transcript is starting to build It’s never too early to start planning for the future

Graduating From High School College/Career Ready Students will earn a Foundation High School Program Diploma with at least one endorsement Students have five endorsements from which to select Endorsements allow students to explore an area of interest to determine if it is a good fit for college and/or career

What are the course requirements of the Foundation High School Program with an Endorsement? English – 4 credits English I, II, III, and an advanced English Math – 3 credits + advanced Math Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and an advanced math Science – 3 credits + additional science based on endorsement Biology, IPC or an advanced science, and additional advanced sciences Social Studies – 3 credits US History, ½ credit government, ½ credit economics, and either world history or world geography, or a new course combining world history and world geography (to be developed) LOTE – 2 credits Credits must be in the same language Fine Arts – 1 credit Physical Education – 1 credit Speech/Health .5 credit Speech .5 credit Health Additional six credits based on endorsement requirements

What are the five endorsement areas? 1. STEM Science, Math, and CTE: Engineering 2. Public Services Health science, Education, Law Enforcement, Military, Human Services 3. Business and Industry Agriculture, Arts/AV/Communication, Business Management/Finance/Marketing, Information technology, Transportation/Distribution/Logistics 4. Arts and Humanities World languages, social studies, and fine arts 5. Multidisciplinary Studies Provides students the opportunity to take a variety of electives from any endorsement area

The Distinguished Level of Achievement The Distinguished Level of Achievement will: Allows students to be considered for Top 10% automatic admissions eligibility at any Texas public university with the exception of The University of Texas at Austin; Automatic admission standards for UT are established during the student’s junior year Ensure you are a more competitive applicant at the most selective colleges and universities. What it means The Distinguished Level of Achievement requires more math and more science than the Foundation High School Program. The Distinguished Level of Achievement requires: A total of four credits in math, including Algebra II; A total of four credits in science; and Successful completion of an endorsement in your area of interest. Advantages Opportunity to earn an endorsement in an area of interest and possibly certifications More college and university options Better preparation for college-level coursework at community/technical colleges and universities Strong foundation to successfully complete an industry workforce credential or college degree

What is Rank? Class ranking is based on a weighted point chart and is not reflected in the actual grade recorded for each course on the transcript. More rigorous courses (Honors, Dual Credit, and AP) receive greater point value than academic level courses Not all courses count towards class rank Courses receiving up to 8 rank points include all AP courses, Dual Credit courses, Independent Study Mentorship, and transferred IB courses Courses receiving up to 7 rank points include Honors core classes, Honors foreign language, and Honors electives Courses receiving up to 6 rank points include all academic level core and foreign language courses

What is GPA? GPA stands for Grade Point Average Grade Point Averages include all courses taken for high school credit A student’s GPA starts with the first high school credit course taken. For many, this is in middle school. Keeping grades up makes students stronger candidates for acceptance into universities

Important Websites NBHS Counselor Website NBHS College and Career Website Find information regarding upcoming events College admissions information Resources for students and parents Financial aid information PSAT/SAT/ACT information Scholarship information Dual Credit information Career information