End of Course (EOC) and Final Exam Testing Schedule
AP Testing Schedule
Coming Soon
Final Exam Exemption Criteria
Semester Exams & Exemption Policy
Each year, Santa Fe High School’s exam and exemption process is designed to encourage hard work, mastery of content, and reward academic excellence. These opportunities recognize students who demonstrate our TRIBE values - Trust, Respect, Integrity, Belonging, and Effort - through consistent attendance, commitment, and achievement.
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No exams may be taken early for any reason.
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Attendance matters every day. To qualify for an exemption, students must be present through the end of the semester.
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Plan all vacations and holiday travel accordingly to ensure eligibility.
We appreciate your continued partnership in helping our students finish the semester strong and live out the spirit of our TRIBE.
All students must comply with the following general exemption criteria in the table below:
| Grade Level |
Fall Semester
*Excludes dual credit classes
*See AP course exemptions below
|
Spring Semester
*Excludes dual credit classes
*See AP course exemptions below
|
| 12th | 4 | All |
| 11th | 3 | 3 |
| 10th | 2 | 2 |
| 9th | 1 | 1 |
- The number of exemptions is dependent on grade level (as noted in Skyward). See chart above.
- No assigned ISS, out-of- school suspension, or DAEP during the semester.
- No more than 3 absences and/or 3 tardies in the semester for which the exemption is earned.
- Must be clear of all fines and fees.
- Students must not have Academic Dishonesty for the semester.
- Students must meet grading requirements listed below.
FALL SEMESTER:
Students may exempt an exam if they meet the following criteria:
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Students meet the above general exemption criteria.
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A student’s semester grade average is 80 or above.
*Students may not be exempt from a STAAR tested or full year- AP class this semester.
**If enrolled in a one semester AP course, students may exempt the exam if they plan to take the correlating AP exam in the Spring Semester. However, if they do not to take the AP test in May (for any reason), they will be subject to taking a make-up semester exam in the Spring or receive a 0 on the final exam. Refunds will not be given for students who register and do not take the AP tests.
Exemption requests will now be DIGITAL
New Process
- An email will be sent to all students with a link to the form.
- Students who wish to request a final exemption will complete the form.
- The bookkeeper and an assistant principal will verify the information and either grant or deny the exemption request.
- The assistant principal will notify the student via email if the exemption request is accepted or denied.
Seniors
- Students will receive their exemption request link via Skyward email on May ----.
- Deadline to submit: -----
- No exceptions.
Grades 9, 10, and 11
- Students will receive their exemption request link via Skyward email on May ----
- Deadline to submit: May ----
- No exceptions.
Additional Information
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Questions should be directed to Ms. Nikravan at
nikolette.nikravan@sfisd.org
Students may exempt an exam if they meet the following criteria:
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Students meet the above general exemption criteria.
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A student’s semester grade average is 80 or above.
Students enrolled in an AP course may exempt an exam with option 1 or option 2:
Option 1:
1. Students meet the above general exemption criteria.
2. A student’s semester grade average is 80 or above.
Option 2:
1. Students meet the above general exemption criteria.
2. A student’s semester grade average is 70 or above.
3. Students take the corresponding AP exam.
Students enrolled in an EOC/STAAR tested course (Algebra 1, Biology, English 1, English 2, US History):
Students that are enrolled in an EOC/STAAR tested course and take their corresponding EOC will be exempt from their EOC Spring Final. However, if the student is absent the day of their STAAR test, they will be required to take a Spring final for that course.
**Students will lose their exam exemption if they are absent on the day of their semester exam(s). All students must be present on campus, even if they are exempt.
Per the 2025 – 2026 SFHS Grading Guidelines:
1. In addition to the student’s attendance the following will also be factors:
a. Attendance exceptions may be made for approved college visits, religious holidays, extra-curricular activities, and co-curricular activities. (Refer to Section 3.6.3 TEA Student Attendance Accounting Handbook). *Students with medical or court-ordered documentation, with specific dates for their absences, may have additional absence allotments. In addition, bereavement excuses will be accepted for immediate family members, including parents, grandparents, and siblings. Parent notes do not count as attendance excuses for exemption purposes.
2. Attendance and Exemptions:
a. Students will lose their exam exemptions if they obtain an unexcused absence after submitting their exam exemption form. This includes being absent on the day of the semester exam(s) in which you have earned an exemption, regardless of if you have less than 3 absences. Students must be present on campus, even if they are exempt. b. Students who fail to maintain their attendance record and lose their exam exemption will have ten business days to make up their semester exam(s). ***Seniors must make up their exams before graduation.
It is the student's responsibility to complete the designated process for choosing their exemptions, as designated by the campus, within the timelines given, or take all exams.
Click the drop down to learn more!
What Tests Do High School Students Take?
High school students take a variety of tests throughout their academic journey, each serving a different purpose in measuring progress, preparing for college, or meeting state requirements. This chart is designed to help families understand the major exams students may encounter, when they are typically taken, and how each assessment supports academic planning and future opportunities. Whether your student is preparing for graduation, college entrance, or career exploration, this guide provides a clear overview to help you stay informed and confident every step of the way.
Test |
Typical Grade Level |
Typical Time of Year |
| AP Exams: AP Exams are college‑level tests offered through College Board for students enrolled in AP courses. Scored on a scale of 1–5, many colleges award credit or allow course placement for scores of 3 or higher. Exams are offered each May and cover a wide range of subjects such as AP English, AP Biology, and AP U.S. History. |
11th-12th |
May |
| ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery): The ASVAB measures a student’s strengths in areas like math, science, mechanics, and language. It is required for military enlistment but is also commonly used by schools to help students identify strengths and possible career paths. Taking the ASVAB does not require a student to join the military. |
10th-12th |
Fall or Spring |
|
PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT / National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test): The PSAT is typically taken in 10th or 11th grade and helps students prepare for the SAT. Juniors who take it are also entered into the National Merit Scholarship competition. The exam is usually administered once per year in October. |
10th or 11th |
October |
| SAT: The SAT is a college‑entrance exam used by many colleges and universities. It measures math, reading, and writing skills. Students typically take it in 11th or 12th grade, and it is offered multiple times throughout the year. |
11th-12th |
Year Round |
| ACT: The ACT is another college‑entrance exam accepted by most U.S. colleges. It includes English, math, reading, and science sections, with an optional writing test. Like the SAT, students usually take it in 11th or 12th grade, and it is offered year‑round. |
11th -12th |
Year Round |
|
TSI (Texas Success Initiative Assessment): TSI evaluates whether a student is ready for college‑level coursework in reading, writing, and math. Many dual‑credit and community‑college programs require TSI scores unless a student has qualifying SAT/ACT scores or exemptions. Testing is available throughout the year. |
11th-12th |
Year Round |
|
STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness):STAAR tests measure student mastery of state academic standards. In high school, STAAR includes End‑of‑Course exams in specific subjects. Results may be used for graduation requirements and campus/state accountability. |
9th-12th |
Spring |
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EOC Exams: High school students in Texas must take and pass five EOCs to graduate:
These are taken in the year the student completes each course. |
9th-12th |
End of Course |
| Semester Exams: Semester exams assess what students have learned over the course of the semester. These may count toward a student’s final grade and are given at the end of the fall and spring semesters. |
9th-12th |
End of Each Semester |