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High School Credits Policy

Grade-Level Classification
0-5 1/2 credits -- Freshman (9th grade)
6-11 credits -- Sophomore (10th grade)
12-17 credits -- Junior (11th grade)
18 credits + -- Senior (12th grade)

A student's grade-level classification is based on the number of credits actually completed, documented, and verified at the time of enrollment. Star accepts credits from schools that are accredited by the following:

Texas Education Agency (TEA)
Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS)
Council on Accreditation & School Improvement (CASI)
North Central Association of Colleges & Schools (NCA)
Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC)

Students are not reclassified during the school year with the following exception: Juniors may be reclassified to seniors providing they have earned 18 credits and are enrolled in all the classes that they need to graduate.

Credit-by-Exam
If a student has completed courses at any school that is not accredited by the State of Texas (such as home school or any other private school), they may have this credit documented by earning 70% or better on the appropriate Credit-by-Exam which is available from the University of Texas (www.utexas.edu/cee/dec/) or Texas Tech University (www.dce.ttu.edu). Credit-by-Exam is also available for students who failed a course (with a grade no lower than 51), or students who were denied credit for a course due to excessive absences. Students who have not received instruction in a course may also earn Credit-by-Exam by scoring 90% or better. Expenses for any Credit-by-Exam are the responsibility of the student/parent.

Distance Education
Students may enroll in high school level distance education (such as online or correspondence courses) through the University of Texas or Texas Tech University. Student/parents are responsible for tuition, fees, and textbooks. Credit is granted by Star Charter School upon receipt of final grade.

Early College Start
Following successful completion of the sophomore year, students may enroll at Austin Community College and earn dual credit for both their high school diploma and college degree. Austin Community College waives tuition. Student/parents are responsible for fees and textbooks. High school credit will be awarded when the student provides Star with an ACC report card or transcript.

High School TAKS Tests
Students not passing a portion of the TAKS tests for any reason (including absence or non-enrollment) may be required to enroll in specific classes as designated by Star Charter School.

Elementary and Middle School Advancement Policy
Grades 1 through 8

Students who wish to skip a grade (1 through 8) at Star Charter School must register with the school counselor for the next testing opportunity, and order the exam from the University of Texas K-16 Education Center. UT will then send the exam to Star Charter School, where testing will take place. Test dates and times will be announced, one in the spring and one in the summer.

Students who earn at least 90% on each of the four areas of the grade level test (Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies) will be allowed to skip the grade tested when returning to Star the following school year.

For example, if a student is currently in grade 4 and wishes to skip grade 5, the student would take the grade 5 test in spring or summer of their 4th grade year. If they earn 90% on each subject area of the 5th grade test, they would return to Star in the fall as a 6th grader.

Preparation for the exams is the responsibility of the student and parent. Star teachers should not be expected to provide materials nor consultation for grade advancement. Tests are written by the UT K-16 Education Center, and review sheets are available from them.

Score reports are sent to students, usually after two weeks. Re-exams are not available for grade advancement.

Contact Information for Star Counselor:

Kris Alonso
kristine_alonso@starcharterschool.org

Contact Information for UT K-16 Education Center
(512) 232-5000

Important Documents