New York State students have access to the local diploma, the Regents diploma, and the Regents diploma with advanced designation. There are also several seals and pathways that students may earn along the way.
To earn a New York State high school diploma, students must meet both the credit requirements and the assessment requirements. Schools and districts may create diploma requirements in addition to those required by the New York State Education Department.
Graduation Requirements
English 4 Credits
Social Studies 4 Credits
Math 3 Credits
Science 3 Credits
Language Other than English 1 Credit
Health ½ Credit
Fine Arts 1 Credit
Physical Education 2 Credits
Minimum Electives 3.5 Credits
Minimum Total 22 Credits
Required Regents Examinations
(Score of 65 or above)
Any Math Regents
Any Science Regents
Either History Regents
English Language Arts
Students must pass one (1) additional Regents examination in either:
Social Studies
Science
Math
1 Approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) Assessment
OR
English 4 Credits
Social Studies 4 Credits
Math 3 Credits
Science 3 Credits
Language Other than English 3 Credits 1
Health ½ Credit
Fine Arts 1 Credit 5
Physical Education 2 Credits
Minimum Electives 3.5 Credits 0
Minimum Total 22 Credits 22.5
Required Regents and Common Core Examinations
(Score of 65 or above)
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II
Living Environment: Biology AND a Physical Science (Earth Science, Chemistry, or Physics)
English Language Arts
Global Studies and Geography
United States History and Government
Language Other than English (Local Exam)
Further Graduation Information
Students with an IEP or 504 plan may be eligible for "safety net" options related to the New York State Regents exam. To learn more about these options, please go to https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/standards-instruction/safety-net-options-avail-to-swd-to-grad-w-local-diploma.pdf
For further graduation and visuals on New York State graduation requirements, please go to https://www.nysed.gov/standards-instruction/graduation-requirements-guidance-and-resources
For Information on New York State's Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential- which is an alternative option to a high school diploma for students with severe challenges- please go to https://www.nysed.gov/state-assessment/nysaa-general-resources
*Please note: the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential is an alternate to the NYS high school diploma, and students receiving an SACC will not receive a NYS high school diploma*