1. WELCOME TO HIGH SCHOOL
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2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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