Elective Course Descriptions – find out what elective classes are like

Electives Listed by Endorsement Options – Canyon HS classes listed by endorsement

8^th Grade Parent Night

8th Grade Parent Night Presentation Class of 2027 Presentation 

8th Grade Parent Class of 2025 part 1 video

8th Grade Parent Class of 2025 part 2 video

Choice Sheets 2023-2024

Senior Choice Sheet 23_24

Junior Choice Sheet 23_24

Sophomore Choice Sheet 23_24

Freshman Choice Sheet 23_24

Freshman Conference Presentation Oct 2022

Freshman Meeting Houndout

Freshman Conference Video part 1

Freshman Conference Video part 2

Freshman Conference Video part 3

What credits do I need to graduate?

There are two high school graduation plans. The 26 credit Foundation with Endorsement Plan and the 22 credit Foundation Plan with no endorsement. Students may also be distinguished by taking Algebra II while earning an endorsement. Students must also pass five STAAR EOC exams in Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II, and US History.

Foundation with Endorsement

• 4 English Credits – English II, English III and one advanced English credit
• 4 Math Credits – Algebra I, Geometry and 2 advanced Math credits
• 4 Science Credits – Biology; a lab science from IPC, Chemistry, or Physics; and other advanced Science credits
• 3 Social Studies Credits – World Geography or World History; US History and Government/Economics
• 2 Foreign Language Credits
• 1 Physical Education Credit
• 1 Fine Arts Credit
• 1 BIM Credit (district requirement)
• ½ Health Credit (district requirement through class of 2023)
• 5 ½ Elective Credits

Foundation Only

• 4 English Credits – English II, English III and one advanced English credit
• 3 Math Credits – Algebra I, Geometry and 2 advanced Math credits
• 3 Science Credits – Biology; a lab science from IPC, Chemistry, or Physics; and other advanced Science credits
• 3 Social Studies Credits – World Geography or World History; US History and Government/Economics
• 2 Foreign Language Credits
• 1 Physical Education Credit
• 1 Fine Arts Credit
• 1 BIM Credit (district requirement)
• ½ Health Credit (district requirement through class of 2023)
• 3 ½ Elective Credits

What is Distinguished Level of Achievement?

Graduating with Distinguished means you have completed Algebra II in the Foundation High School Program with an Endorsement.   Distinguished Level of Achievement must be earned to be admitted under automatic admission.  Being distinguished makes you a more competitive applicant at the most selective colleges and universities and may give you an advatage to recieving a TEXAS Grant.  

What are Endorsements?

Endorsements are the focus of your electives. Endorsements consist of a related series of courses that are grouped together by interest or skill set. They provide students with in-depth knowledge of a subject area. Endorsements can help students prepare for their future career or career training needs. The five endorsements are

• STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
• Business & Industry – Agriculture, Construction, Business/Finance, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Auto Tech, Journalism
• Arts & Humanities – Art, Band, Choir, Theatre, Languages, Social Studies
• Multidisciplinary – 4 “advanced” credits (not principles or intro) combined from any endorsement

How do I earn an endorsement?

Complete the credits above for the Foundation with Endorsement plan including 4 credits in an endorsement area. See Endorsement Options above.

What are the advantages of graduating with an Endorsement?

Earning an Endorsement better prepares you for college and the workforce, gives you more options after graduation, allows you to compete for automatic admissions, makes you more competitive for college admissions and scholarships, and gives you a stronger educational foundation. 

Things to know about endorsements

• Students can earn more than one endorsement.
• Colleges are not concerned with your endorsement, but they do consider what classes you take and how well you do in them.
• Students can change their endorsement choice. Changes are made when selecting classes for the next school year.
• Students and their parents can opt out of earning an endorsement and switch to the Foundation Plan, but they must wait until AFTER their sophomore year AND they must meet with a counselor in order to do so.

What is a Performance Acknowledgement?

A Performance Acknowledgement is a recognition of an outstanding achievement that shows you are in a better position for college or the workforce.  It is noted on your transcript (your official high school record that you will provide to college or an employer).

• Dual Credit – 12 hours with a 3.0
• Bilingualism – 3 LOTE credits with an 80 in English classes
• PSAT/ACT/SAT high score
• AP score of 3 or more
• Business/Industry Certification

What can I earn a Business/Industry Certification in?

A Business or Industry Certification is a state or national credential showing that you have gained knowledge and skills for a particular profession.  Some allow you to get a job directly after high school.  Canyon High offers these certifications. 

Business

• Dell Certified Technician (iConnect)
• Google Suite (iConnect)
• MOS – Excel Specialist/Expert, Word Specialist/Expert, Microsoft Master (BIM)

Industry

• ASE Certifications in the 8 automotive specialty areas (Auto Tech)
• PCT (Patient Care Tech)
• Cosmetology Operator License (Cosmetology)
• EMT (Emergency Medical Tech)
• Level One Floral Certification (Floral Design)
• OSHA 10 General Safety (Welding)
• ServSafe Manger (Culinary Arts)
• Vet Assistant (Vet Med)
• WS D9.1 Sheet Metal and AWS D1.1 Structural Steel (Welding)

Resources

Graduation Toolkit from TEA

Course Catalog 22-23