Most 9th graders in Texas take one to three STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) exams, depending on which courses they’re enrolled in that year. There are five EOC exams total at the high school level: Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and U.S. History. You take each one when you finish the matching course, so the number you face in 9th grade depends entirely on your schedule.
Which EOC Exams 9th Graders Typically Take
The two most common STAAR tests for freshmen are Algebra I and English I, since nearly every 9th grader is enrolled in those courses. Biology is also frequently taken in 9th grade, though some students take it as sophomores instead. That means most freshmen sit for two or three EOC exams during the spring testing window.
English II and U.S. History are almost always taken in later years, since those courses are typically offered in 10th and 11th grade. However, if you’re in an accelerated track and complete one of those courses as a freshman, you’ll take the corresponding EOC that same year. The rule is straightforward: you take the test when you finish the course, regardless of your grade level.
When the Tests Are Scheduled
For the 2025-2026 school year, EOC exams are offered during three testing windows. The primary window for most freshmen falls in the spring:
- English I: April 6 through April 17, 2026
- Biology: April 13 through April 24, 2026
- Algebra I: April 20 through May 1, 2026
Your school picks specific test dates within those windows, so the exact day varies by campus. If you need to retake an exam, there’s a summer window from June 15 through June 26, 2026, and another opportunity the following December.
What You Need to Score to Pass
STAAR results are sorted into performance categories, and the passing threshold is “Approaches Grade Level.” Reaching that level means you’ve demonstrated enough understanding of the material to move forward, though the state notes that students in this category may still benefit from targeted academic support. Higher categories exist for students who show stronger mastery, but Approaches is the bar you need to clear.
Each EOC exam has its own scale score cutoff for Approaches Grade Level. Your school will report whether you met the standard, and your score report will show which performance category you landed in.
What Happens If You Don’t Pass
Failing an EOC exam doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Texas offers multiple retake opportunities throughout the school year. For the 2025-2026 calendar, all five EOC subjects have testing windows in December 2025, spring 2026, and June 2026. You can retake an exam as many times as needed until you pass.
Passing all five EOC exams is a graduation requirement. If you take Algebra I and English I in 9th grade and don’t pass one of them, you’ll have chances to retest in the summer and again the following school year without delaying your graduation, as long as you eventually clear the threshold before your senior year wraps up.
What the Tests Look Like
STAAR exams are taken online and go well beyond standard multiple choice. You’ll encounter a variety of question types depending on the subject. On Algebra I, for example, you might use an equation editor to type out expressions or inequalities, plot points on a graphing tool, or place values on a number line. English I includes “hot text” questions where you select specific sentences or phrases in a passage to cite evidence, along with extended constructed responses that require you to write multi-paragraph analyses of a reading selection.
Across all subjects, expect multipart questions where part A asks for an answer and part B asks you to explain your reasoning or provide evidence. You’ll also see drag-and-drop items, inline drop-down menus, and match table grids where you sort information into categories. Short constructed response questions ask you to write a brief explanation in your own words. The mix of question types means you’ll need to show your thinking, not just pick from a list of options.
How to Figure Out Your Exact Test Count
Pull up your course schedule and count how many of these five courses you’re taking this year: Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and U.S. History. That number is your answer. For most freshmen, it’s two (Algebra I and English I) or three (adding Biology). Your school counselor can confirm which EOC exams you’re registered for if your schedule includes any honors or accelerated courses that might shift the timing.