Houston
High School
Academics
The academic programs at Houston are designed to help students determine what career path they might like to pursue upon graduation. Students at Houston choose a 4-year pathway, which can be changed as they continue their high school journey. These 4 year pathways encourage students to actively think about what most interests them both in their academic career, as well as extra-curricular activities and how those two things can come together to form a career.
Houston offers 28 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and 17 Dual Enrollment (DE) courses. Students are easily able to earn college credit while at Houston through partnerships with Southwest Community College, the University of Tennessee at Martin, and the University of Memphis.
Career & Technical Education
At Houston High School, Career & Technical Education courses is a huge part of what is taught at Houston. These courses impart technical knowledge while also encouraging essential soft skills for future careers. These classes teach vital aspects of a students education, including teamwork and creative thinking. Students are encouraged to work together and problem solve in CTE courses, which best emphasizes the skills that employers value most.
Grading Scale
Students' grade point averages are calculated on a 4.0 scale and are weighed if Honors, Dual Enrollment, Industry Certification, and/or Advanced Placement courses have been taken. Notation appears in the course title on the student transcript. The GPA includes all grades earned during grades 9-12.
The Houston High School grading scale for standard courses is as follows:
A=90-100
B= 80-89
C= 70-79
D= 65-69
F= 0=6
Houston High School follows the laude system listed below:
Summa cum laude 4.25 and above
Magna cum laude 4.0-4.24
Cum laude 3.75-3.99
Honors Courses
3 points are added to all scores of 65 or above each quarter. .5 additional quality point is added to GPA each semester.
Industry Certification Courses
4 points are added to all scores of 65 or above each quarter. .5 additional quality point is added to GPA each semester.
Advanced Placement (AP)
5 points are added to all scores of 65 or above each quarter.1 additional quality point is added to GPA each semester.
In the graduating class of 2024, Houston has fifteen National Merit Finalists, and in the class of 2023, 89 scored a 30 or higher on the ACT. Houston has a reputation for academic excellence, and the notations listed above help us to ensure that each student receives a fair and balanced grade.
Academic Highlights
![A joyous graduate receiving their diploma]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1735494706/gmsdk12org/rqamdr6vrlfcxlob907g/CameraTips.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1735494706/gmsdk12org/rqamdr6vrlfcxlob907g/CameraTips.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1735494706/gmsdk12org/rqamdr6vrlfcxlob907g/CameraTips.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1735494706/gmsdk12org/rqamdr6vrlfcxlob907g/CameraTips.png","width":1080}])
November 2024-- The AspireACT program has helped almost 250 students improve their ACT scores through specialized tutoring, with 83% seeing progress and 38 seniors qualifying for "Ready Grad" status. Ongoing support, including in-school tutoring and workshops, ensures students continue to succeed, as shown in a new spotlight video.
![8 of the 9 2025 national Merti semifinalists pose for a picture]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726154177/gmsdk12org/zq4tlnxhavdb6rj5gtx8/2025NationalMeritSemifinalists.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1726154177/gmsdk12org/zq4tlnxhavdb6rj5gtx8/2025NationalMeritSemifinalists.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1726154177/gmsdk12org/zq4tlnxhavdb6rj5gtx8/2025NationalMeritSemifinalists.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726154177/gmsdk12org/zq4tlnxhavdb6rj5gtx8/2025NationalMeritSemifinalists.png","width":1080}])
September 2024--We are thrilled to announce that nine of our exceptional students have been recognized as Semifinalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.
![A teacher speaking to a student during their graduation walk. They are both smiling and laughing.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1724866147/gmsdk12org/tbqksb4ondmegugtyyqn/GradWalkDES23.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1724866147/gmsdk12org/tbqksb4ondmegugtyyqn/GradWalkDES23.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1724866147/gmsdk12org/tbqksb4ondmegugtyyqn/GradWalkDES23.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1724866147/gmsdk12org/tbqksb4ondmegugtyyqn/GradWalkDES23.png","width":1080}])
August 2024 - GMSD is proud to announce the launch of an exclusive ACT tutoring program, available to all high school students across the district. This program is designed to provide expert guidance and preparation, helping students excel in the ACT at no cost to their families.
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