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Tomball High School

Exam Exemptions

Exemptions are a privilege to be earned by high school students (junior high school students are not eligible).  All high school students will take all semester exams during the first semester.    

Please note: all exam exemption requirements and parameters may be changed at any point in the school year due to unforeseen circumstances which may occur during the course of the school year.  Any changes to the stipulations outlined in this handbook will be promptly and clearly communicated to all students and parents affected by such changes.  

A high school student who achieves “Masters” level on State Assessment Exams for all related courses taken during the current year may be exempt from all spring semester exams, provided the student is passing the course for the semester and meets all other requirements. 

Students enrolled in dual credit courses may not exempt the final exam for the college.  They may be exempt from the high school final exam in the spring semester if exemption requirements are met.

A high school student may exempt second semester exams on a course-by-course basis by meeting the specific requirement of the course:

  • For courses with STAAR assessments:
    • Achieve “Approaches” or “Met Standard” on the STAAR End of Course Test and 
    • Be passing the course for the semester
  • For ALL other courses: 
    • Have a minimum of an 85 average for the semester

Additionally, all exam exemptions are contingent upon the student meeting the following criteria: 

  • The student must have no more than four (4) absences (excused or unexcused) the 1st semester in a full year course, and no more than three (3) absences (excused or unexcused) the 2nd semester prior to the day of the exam; OR no more than 8 absences for the entire school year (in a full year course) including the day of the exam.  Students in a spring single semester course can only have 3 absences prior to the day of the exam.
  • The student must not have more than (10) unexcused tardies or late arrivals for the year.
  • All students must be in attendance on the day of the semester exam review or they forfeit their exemption.
  • All textbooks must be clear.
  • All outstanding fees must be paid.
  • Students must not have incurred more than two (2) days of ISS assigned for the year. Students who were assigned OSS or AEP during either semester may not be exempt.
  • Attendance hardship cases may be appealed to the Exam Exemption Committee.  The hardship appeal forms for exam exemptions may be picked up in the principal’s office beginning April 20, 2026, and returned no later than May 01, 2026. 

Students who transfer into Tomball ISD in the spring semester and wish to exempt exams are responsible for showing proof of attendance, textbook and state assessment records from their previous school.   

Parents have the right to waive their child’s exemption and may do so by providing written notice to the teacher of each relevant course. 

Note:  If state assessment scores are not returned by the State of Texas in a timely manner that allows the District to evaluate the success of the individual student, then the 85 average for the semester will apply.