*Please note:  26-27 SHS planning guide will be made available by January 24th. 

Understanding Advanced Academics

Sunnyvale ISD is proud to be able to offer a variety of AP, Honors, and Dual Credit course offerings.   Understanding advanced coursework options is an important step in making the best educational decisions for every student. Advanced courses can offer opportunities for deeper learning, increased academic challenge, and preparation for college and future careers, but they are not a one size fits all pathway. By learning more about the expectations, supports, and potential benefits of advanced coursework, families can better determine whether a particular course aligns with a student’s academic readiness, interests, and overall well being. When students and parents are informed partners in this process, decisions are more likely to be intentional, supportive, and focused on placing each student in an environment where they can grow, feel confident, and be successful both academically and personally.

Sunnyvale ISD students pursue the Foundation High School Graduation Program with Endorsement with Distinguished Level of Achievement (DLA). This will best prepare students for college, career, and the workforce.

• 26 credits (The Foundation High School Program with endorsement)

• Five End-of-Course Exams (English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, U.S. History)

• In rare cases, or by ARD Committee determination, students may graduate on the Foundation Only program with parent/guardian, principal, and counselor approval. This decision can only be decided after a student's sophomore year.

• Hand Only CPR

• Speech Proficiency Requirements

• Peace Officer Training

• Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TAFSA)

Benefits of Distinguished Level of Achievement

Endorsements

College, Career, and Military Readiness 

CCMR stands for College, Career, and Military Readiness. The Texas Education Agency invoked the CCMR model to ensure that all students have access to high-quality pathways to career and college. College Readiness is determined by college preparatory exam performance or college credit earned in high school through AP exams, dual credit, or other means (On-Ramps, IB). Career Readiness is realized through completing a CTE program of study, including a TEA-recognized industry-based certification. Military Readiness is achieved through enlistment in the US Armed Forces or Texas National Guard.  

Sunnyvale ISD aims to ensure every graduate is College, Career, and/or Military Ready (CCMR). A CCMR requirement will be communicated to every high school student to realize this goal. This initiative began with the class of 2024.

To learn more about CCMR in Sunnyvale, please click the button below.  

Timeline

SMS begins course planning in January with parent meetings.  Course selection sheets and an updated Academic Planning Guide will generally be made available by the end of the second week of January. 

SHS course guide will also be posted in mid January. However, parent meetings and course selection will generally begin in February and conclude before spring break. 

Please watch for communication from your student's campus. 

Our SHS and SMS counselors are the best resource to go to when it comes to academic planning for your student.  They are there to support all Raiders on their journey to high school graduation and future success.  Please reach out to them with questions about academic planning.