There are several different pathways to earning a high school diploma in New York State, but the two most common ones are:

• Regents Diploma
• Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation

As shown in the chart below, the credit requirements for both diplomas are nearly identical. The key difference is that to earn an Advanced Regents Diploma, a student must pass two additional credits (or years) of foreign language:

The type and number of state examinations a student passes also plays a key role in the type of diploma they earn. For instance, students seeking a regular Regents diploma must score a 65 or higher on the following five Regents exams:

• Comprehensive English
• Mathematics (either Algebra OR Geometry OR Algebra II)
• Global History
• U.S. History
• Science (either Living Environment OR Earth Science OR Chemistry OR Physics)

However, those wishing to pursue the advanced designation must score a 65 or higher on nine Regents exams:

• Comprehensive English
• Three Mathematics (Algebra AND Geometry AND Algebra II)
• Global History
• U.S. History
• Two Science (Living Environment AND Earth Science OR Chemistry OR Physics)
• LOTE (Language Other Than English) Checkpoint B Exam

Other notable variations to a Regents diploma include a "With Honors" designation for those with an average score of 90 or more on all required Regents exams and a Technical Endorsement for those enrolled in a Career and Technical Education program if they complete an approved technical assessment, a work-based learning experience, and a work-skills employability profile. Please also note that students with IEPs or 504 Plans may be eligible for certain exemptions and "safety net" features as they work towards their diploma.

For a more detailed breakdown of the multiple New York State-approved diploma pathways, you can click here or speak with Mr. Mingione or Ms. Motto.