DHS Seniors – Important Information & Resources
Welcome, DHS Seniors! This page is designed to provide you with quick access to important dates, resources, policies, and requirements as you prepare for graduation and life after high school. Be sure to check this page often for updates, deadlines, and announcements as we guide you toward graduation!
🎓 TN College Application & Exploration Month
Apply to College for FREE in September! 🎓✨
September is Tennessee College Application & Exploration Month, and DHS seniors have the opportunity to apply to many colleges at no cost.
✅ All 24 TCATs and 13 Community Colleges are always free
✅ Many Tennessee universities are offering free applications with codes or during special dates
This is a great chance for the Class of 2026 to take the next step toward their future while saving money. Be sure to check the flier for codes, dates, and details.
Click here for the flier!
🎓 UT Promise Scholarship
The UT Promise is a last-dollar scholarship that helps make college affordable for Tennessee students. It covers tuition and mandatory fees (including facilities, maintenance, library, student services, technology, and transportation fees) after other aid such as the Pell Grant is applied.
👉 Note: Housing, meals, books, and personal expenses are not covered.
✅ Eligibility
Family household income under $75,000 AGI
Assets under $75,000
📅 Key Deadlines
November 3, 2025 – Complete TN Promise application
December 15, 2025 – Submit UT Promise application
March 16, 2026 – Mandatory TN Promise meeting
April 1, 2026 – File FAFSA (2026–2027)
July 1, 2026 – List a UT campus on both TSAC Portal & FAFSA
July 1, 2026 – Complete financial aid verification (if selected)
August 1, 2026 – Submit 16 hours of community service
👉 Application Link: UT Promise Application
⚠️ Important: Missing any deadline will result in loss of eligibility.
🎓 Testing & Applications
DHS School Code: 430610
Use this portal to complete Tennessee Promise applications and apply for the Dual Enrollment Grant.
Both the student and parent/guardian must create an FSA ID in order to complete the FAFSA.
FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Complete your FAFSA early to ensure access to financial aid, scholarships, and grants.
🎓 Tennessee Promise Eligibility
CLASS OF 2026 DEADLINES
November 3, 2025
Complete the TN Promise application at TNPromise.gov.
Learn more about the scholarship here.
March 16, 2026
Satisfy the Mandatory TN Promise Meeting requirement. More information will be available soon!
Keep in mind, this is a mandatory scholarship requirement. Failure to complete this requirement will result in the loss of TN Promise scholarship eligibility. Once eligibility is lost, it cannot be regained at a later date.
April 1, 2026
File the 2026–2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at FAFSA.gov.
Keep in mind, this is a mandatory scholarship requirement. Failure to complete this requirement will result in the loss of TN Promise scholarship eligibility. Once eligibility is lost, it cannot be regained at a later date.
Spring 2026
Connect with your volunteer tnAchieves mentor.
August 1, 2026
Complete and submit at least 16 hours of community service for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Keep in mind, this is a mandatory scholarship requirement. Failure to complete this requirement will result in the loss of TN Promise scholarship eligibility. Once eligibility is lost, it cannot be regained at a later date.
🎓 Policies for Seniors
College Visit Policy
Juniors and Seniors are allowed two college visits per year.
Students must provide documentation from the college upon return.
Travel days do not count and will be marked as absences.
Senior Attendance Policy
To participate in the graduation ceremony, seniors must:
Attend at least 90% of the days enrolled at DHS.
Earn at least 6 credits during the senior year.
Meet all graduation requirements
🎓 Important Dates
August 8, 2025
Tennessee Promise application completion in Senior Seminar
August 21, 2025
ASVAB Test #1 (8:00–10:30 am)
August 22, 2025
FSA ID account creation in Senior Seminar
August 25, 2025
DSCC & UTM dual enrollment classes begin
September 4, 2025
Parent Teacher Conference (3:30–7:00 pm)
September 15–19, 2025
Football Homecoming Week
September 23, 2025
College Fair (8:00–10:30 am, Gym)
September 24, 2025
Makeup Senior Composite Pictures (Little Theater, before school)
September 24, 2025
Jane Ross ACT Tutoring Workshop
September 30, 2025
Senior ACT Retake / Jostens Senior Meeting after
October 1, 2025
2026–2027 FAFSA release date
October 8, 2025
Order Jostens deadline (minimum: cap/gown/diploma cover)
October 16, 2025
ASVAB Test #2 (8:00–10:30 am)
October 20, 2025
FAFSA Workshop #1 (4:30–6:30 pm)
October 24, 2025
Jostens “Celebration Day” – Give out orders / take paper orders
November 3, 2025
Tennessee Promise application deadline
December 11, 2025
ASVAB Test #3 (8:00–10:30 am)
December 13, 2025
Miss DHS
December 15, 2025
UT Promise application deadline
January 12, 2026
FAFSA Workshop #2 (4:30–6:30 pm)
February 19, 2026
ASVAB Test #4 (8:00–10:30 am)
February 19, 2026
Parent Teacher Conference (3:30–7:00 pm)
March 10, 2026
Seniors In @ 11:00 am, Mandatory Senior Meeting
March 10, 2026
Senior Parent Meeting (6:00 pm, Gym)
March 13, 2026
End of Q3 (S1 + Q3 = Honors Banquet eligibility)
March 2026 (TBD)
Oscar Night
March 2026 (TBD)
FAFSA Workshop #3
April 1, 2026
FAFSA Completion Deadline
April 11, 2026
Prom
April 16, 2026
ASVAB Test #5 (8:00–10:30 am)
April 22, 2026
Tennessee Scholar applications due
April 22, 2026
Work Ethic Certificate applications due
April 23, 2026
Honors Banquet
April 30, 2026
Scholarship Offers Due for Awards Day recognitions
April 2026 (TBD)
TCAT Northwest Signing Day
May 6, 2026
Class of 2026 Last Day going to ALL classes
May 6, 2026
Credit Recovery deadline
May 7, 2026
Last Full Day of School for 2026
May 7, 2026
Class of 2026 Awards Day (Arrive at 12:45 pm, Program at 1:00 pm)
May 13, 2026
Senior Walk @ DPS, DIS, DMS, DHS
May 14, 2026
Graduation Practice (9:00 am, JC Sawyers Stadium)
May 15, 2026
Graduation at 8:00 pm (Graduates arrive at 7:00 pm, Commons)
🎓 Senior TSAC NEXT Guide
Created specifically for high school students in Tennessee, the Next Guide is your go-to resource for life after graduation. Whether you’re headed to college, starting a career, or exploring other opportunities, these guides provide step-by-step support to help you confidently take the next big step.