instructors and teachers there operating as supervisors for the students. For a benchmark of student progress and as an exit exam, Mesquite High School uses the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness standardized test on most students entering and exiting MHS. The tests are administered every year for grades 9-11 and are given as remedial tests for graduating seniors who have not passed the previous year's tests. Ranked against the district and the state, MHS falls behind in terms of students successfully meeting the STAAR expectations for the grades 9-11. Mesquite High School, like most in the area, has been pushing the agenda on getting students active and interested in pursuing a future college education after high school with a number of measures. One of these, the Advanced Placement (AP) program, offers classes in a multiple array of courses which can, if the criteria are met, be used to apply for college credit in the chosen course. These classes are supplemented in part by a program known as Dual Study whereby students can attend actual college courses on college campuses and earn credit towards that class. To students identified as able to learn on the same level as college students, the school also offers an accelerated program known as the Distinguished Achievement Program, or DAP, to give said students a leg-up on learning and success in the college academic atmosphere. The result of much of this has been that MHS enjoys a large number of graduating seniors who attempt either the ACT or SAT prior to applying to a college. This, however, is mixed against the fact that out of the roughly 71% who attempt either, only 16% arrive at the "At/Above Criterion". Band and choir programs MHS has a fine arts programs, which includes band, choir, orchestra, dance, and theater. The Mighty Maroon Band has placed in first division at UIL competitions repeatedly. The MHS choral program is considered one of the best in the state, placing first division in UIL competitions multiple times in the past several years. MHS choir also has a show choir program (Pizzazz), consisting of 12 select varsity singers. Operations School dress code As with other secondary schools in the Mesquite Independent School District, MHS adheres to the MISD Standard Dress Policy which defines inappropriate dress from that which is acceptable at all post-elementary MISD schools. Athletics Varsity team state champions: Football: 2001