Counselor

The state of Texas sets the requirements for graduation. Students must meet the following requirements to be able to earn a diploma in the state of Texas:

• Earn 22 specific required credits under the Foundation Plan or 26 credits under the Distinguished Plan
• Meet STAAR requirements for 5 End of Course exams (Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and US History)
• Earn at least one endorsement in a coherent sequence of courses selected from five endorsement options.
• Complete the FASFA or TASFA online application (senior year)

In addition, students must also meet the following state requirements as set forth through district policy:

• Demonstrate proficiency in communication skills identified by the State Board of Education with successful completion of English I (freshman year) or Public Speaking SPCH1315. 
• Demonstrate proficiency in interaction with peace officers after successful completion of Government (senior year)
• Demonstrate proficiency in hands on CPR (senior year)

Paint Rock ISD offers all the courses needed for the 26 specific required credits under the Distinguished Plan plus one additional course to obtain the Multidisciplinary Endorsement, as well as, additional courses in three more Endorsements and multiple Career and Technical Education (CTE) Courses of Study. All students are encouraged to pursue the Distinguished Plan and strive to obtain two endorsements to successfully prepare them for post-secondary education and/or a high demand job. Details described below.

Paint Rock ISD Distinguished Plan + Multidisciplinary Studies Endorsement: (27 credits)

• English (4 credits) – English I, English II, English III, and English IV (concurrently enrolled in College Preparatory English)
• Mathematics (4 credits) – Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, College Preparatory Math or Pre Calculus
• Science (4 credits) – Biology, Chemistry, Advanced Animal Science or Environmental Science, Anatomy & Physiology
• Social Studies (4 credits) – Geography, World History, US History, Government/Economics
• Physical Education (1 credit) – High School Athletics
• Fine Arts (1 credit) – Art I, Band I, Theatre, or Music Appreciation MUSI1306
• Language other than English (2 credits) – Spanish I, Spanish II
• Electives (7 credits) – Any courses from one of the Endorsements and specific Courses of Study listed below. 4 of the 7 credits must come from the same specific Course of Study.

Additional Endorsements with specific Courses of Study:

• Business and Industry
  • Agriculture Business, Leadership, & Communications (4 credits)
  • Animal Science (4 credits)
  • Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems (4 credits)
  • Culinary Arts (4 credits)
  • Design & Multimedia Arts (4 credits)
  • Plant Science (4 credits)
• Public Services
  • Law Enforcement (4 credits)
• Arts and Humanities
  • Music (4 credits)

Click here for more information about TEA’s State Graduation Requirements

Click here for more information about TEA’s Approved Courses of Study

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF NONDISCRIMINATION IN CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

The Paint Rock Independent School District offers Career and Technical Education programs in Agriculture, Design and Multimedia Arts, Culinary Arts, and Law Enforcement. All students have the opportunity to participate in our CTE programs as admission is based on aptitude, interest, physical and mental competence, and other qualifications essential to successful employment.

It is the policy of Paint Rock ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in its educational and Career and Technology Education programs, activities or employment as required by Title IX, Section 504 and Title VI. Paint Rock ISD will take steps to assure the lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and Career and Technical Education programs. 

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding CTE policies: Fisher Pyburn, Paint Rock ISD CTE Director, 698 S. Sims, Paint Rock, TX 76866, 325-732-4314, fisher.pyburn@paintrockisd.net

Click here for more information about TEA Methods of Administration Regarding Access to CTE Programs.

Updated: July 24, 2025

Testing Dates

• PSAT administration will be offered on October 22, 2024, for all 2024-2025 juniors.
• SAT administration will be offered on October 23, 2024, for all 2024-2025 seniors.
• ASVAB administration will be offered on November 5, 2024, for 2024-2025 juniors and seniors.
• TSIA2 administration will be offered in May 6, 2025 for all 2024-2025 sophomores.
• TSIA2 administration will be offered in May 8, 2025 for all 2024-2025 juniors.
• TSIA2 administration will be offered in May 13, 2025 for all 2024-2025 seniors.
• ACT is not offered, but fee waivers are available for eligible individuals in grades 10-12.

For more testing information contact counselor Fisher Pyburn.

Dual-Credit

Paint Rock ISD partners with Howard College to offer high school students dual-credit opportunities. The partnership agreement for the dual credit program between Howard College (HC) and the Paint Rock Independent School District promotes student access to higher education and works collaboratively to foster student success throughout the program. All dual credit requirements are outlined in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) (Chapter 4, Subchapter D, Section 4.84 and Chapter 9, Subchapter H, Section 9.144). 

Check out this link for complete details of the partnership between Paint Rock ISD and Howard College.

For more information about dual-credit opportunities for your student please contact the Paint Rock ISD High School Counselor, Fisher Pyburn. You can also check out our Course Catalog tab below for a full list of course that receive dual-credit. Dual-credit courses in our Course Catalog are labeled with an *.

Click here for more information about dual-credit at Howard College.

We’re excited to introduce the TEXAS FIRST PROGRAM. This prestigious opportunity enables you to graduate early with the Distinguished Level of Achievement AND receive a scholarship for college.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA), in coordination with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), established the Texas First Early High School Completion Program. This program allows public high school students who demonstrate early readiness for college to graduate early from high school.

To be eligible for an award under the program, a student must:

1. Have graduated early (one semester or more) from high school under the Texas First Early High School Completion Program
2. Texas residency 
3. FAFSA completion 
4. At least 22 high school credits and a final GPA equivalent to 3.0 or higher 
5. Additional academic requirements, including college readiness test scores, STAAR exam participation, and demonstration of mastery in various subjects

Parents and students interested in the Texas First Prorgam or accelerated instruction, please visit with the Paint Rock ISD High School Counselor, Mr. Pyburn, or check out the following links: TEA

Please check out our Course Catalog below. It is a comprehensive list of all the courses we offer at the high school level.

Course Catalog

The decision rendered in the Texas Supreme Court opinion Leeper, et al. vs. Arlington ISD, et al. clearly establishes that students who are home schooled are exempt from the compulsory attendance requirement to the same extent as students enrolled in private schools. Students should be dis-enrolled by school officials when they receive written notice either by signing withdrawal forms or a letter of withdrawal. It is not necessary for the parents to make a personal appearance with school officials, present curriculum for review, or comply with any other requirements in order to successfully withdraw their student. For purposes of Leaver Reason Code 60, a signed and dated letter from the parent or guardian stating that the student is being homeschooled and the date homeschooling began is sufficient documentation.

School districts that become aware of a student who is potentially being home schooled may request in writing a letter of assurance from the parents that the student is being home schooled. This letter may require assurances that the home-school curriculum is designed to meet basic education goals including reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and a study of good citizenship. Please note that a letter of this type is not required each year.

Additionally, it has been brought to my attention that there may be some confusion with respect to the awarding of transfer credit from students who have been home schooled. Under Title 19, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), §74.26(a)(2), students transferring from home schools should be afforded the same treatment as students transferring from unaccredited private schools. Awarding of credit for courses taken may be determined by reviewing the curriculum and/or work of the student, or by using appropriate assessments.

When appropriate assessments are used for determination of placement, the passing standard for those students who have been home schooled should be no higher than the standard required of students transferring from unaccredited private schools. As the TEA has stated in the past, school districts may assess students by administering valid and reliable assessment instruments. The determination of whether or not to use such instruments is a local matter. Districts may place students according to a review of the curriculum, course of study, and work of the student coming from a home school environment. §28.021 of the Texas Education Code (TEC) requires advancement or credit to be awarded on the basis of "academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency of the subject matter."

If assessments are used for determining placement, the agency would suggest the following guidelines:

1. Elementary students should be assessed by means of a nationally recognized norm-referenced test or by a previously released STAAR assessment for the appropriate grade level.
2. Secondary students may be assessed using credit-by-examination methods for individual subject areas or by previously released STAAR end-of-course assessments.
3. A secondary student assessed using the credit-by-examination method should be given adequate time to prepare for the test, particularly if multiple examinations are required. Under 19 TAC §74.24(c), the standard of 70% for students to receive credit for courses they have already taken should be used rather than that the 80% standard for earning credit for courses not previously taken.
4. Under TEC §29.916, school districts are required to allow home school students the opportunity to participate in PSAT/NQMST and Advanced Placement (AP) testing that each district provides enrolled students. The statute also requires districts to notify the public via website or local newspaper of: the dates of PSAT/NQMST and AP tests; that home school students are eligible to take the test; and the procedures for registering for such tests. This public notice must be posted or published at the same time and with the same frequency as the notice given to students attending the school district.

• Click here for more information about Homeschooling and TEA.
• Click here for more information about Courses of Study the Texas Education Code.
• Click here for more information about homeschool students participating in college entrance exams and advanced placement testing and the Texas Education Code.

Paint Rock High School will offer the following assessments administrations on the following days for students in the indicated grade levels. Please contact Paint Rock High School Counselor, Fisher Pyburn, for more information including registration details. Email Fisher Pyburn or 325-732-4314