Update on NYSED Regents Exams and Graduation Requirements

September 15, 2026

Dear Yorktown School Community,

You may have seen recent news reports regarding changes to New York State’s graduation requirements and the future role of Regents examinations.  It is important to clarify that New York State is not eliminating Regents exams.  Rather, the Board of Regents has authorized the State Education Department to move forward with a plan that, beginning with students graduating in 2028 (current high school juniors), would no longer require students to pass a prescribed set of Regents exams in order to earn a high school diploma.  Students graduating in 2027 continue to be subject to the current graduation requirements.

There are still important details to be determined.  Regents examinations are expected to continue and may still be used for state and federal accountability purposes, as measures of student achievement, and/or as part of future seals or endorsements recognizing additional academic accomplishment.  NYSED is developing the regulations and guidance that will determine exactly how these changes will be implemented, including the role of assessments, local measures of student learning, and how student achievement will ultimately be reflected in the State’s future reporting system.

At this time, there is no immediate change to our students’ courses, assessments, or current academic expectations.  We will continue to follow all existing state requirements while closely monitoring guidance from NYSED and the Board of Regents.  As additional details become finalized, we will communicate them clearly to families.

Respectfully,

Dr. Ron Hattar