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What must my child do to graduate High School?

There are 3 types of diplomas available to students in New York:

Regent's Diploma: Students may earn a diploma by earning 44 credits. A total of 40 credits must be earned in academic subjects, 4 credits are earned for a required 7 semesters of gym plus 1 semester of health education. In addition, students must pass a set of graduation tests called Regents exams with a score of 55 or 65, depending on the year the student entered the 9th grade. Click here for more information. In addition, an Advanced Regent's diploma is also available if the student meets additional requirements.

Local Diploma: Students may earn a local diploma only if they entered 9th grade before September 2005. Students must earn 44 credits and must pass Regents exams with at least a score of 55.

IEP Diploma: A diploma available to students receiving special education services. Click here for more information.

Click here for more information on the difference between these diplomas.

Requirements for All Students

In order to graduate from High School with a Regent's diploma, your child must meet the following requirements:

Regents Exams: Achieve passing grades on New York State Regents Examinations in the following subject areas (What score will be considered 'passing' will depend upon what year your child entered high school. Consult with your child's guidance counselor or click to view this chart):

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Global History
  • U.S. History and Government
  • Science

Credits. Obtain a total of 44 credits, including:

  • 8 in English
  • 8 in Social Studies, including:
    • 4 in Global History
    • 2 in U.S. History and Government
    • 1 in Economics
    • 1 in Participation in Government
  • 6 in Science
  • 6 in Mathematics
  • 2 in a Second Language
  • 1 in Health Education
  • 1 in Art
  • 1 in Music
  • 4 credits in physical education (if the student entered the 9th grade in or after 2001-2002)
  • The remaining credits may come through electives or technical/vocational programs
  • Attendance. Attain 90% attendance.

If your child receives Special Education services:

If your child receives Special Education Services, he or she may take advantage of variances from the general graduations requirements outline above:

  • Regents Competency Tests.
  • Through Fall 2009, if your child fails a required Regents Examination, he or she may take the Regents Competency Test (RCT) in that subject area.
  • IEP Diplomas: Some students will not be able to earn a regular diploma. Even if your child has failed one ore more of the required Regents Examinations or Regents Competency Tests (RCTs), you or your child may apply for something called an 'IEP diploma' if:
    • Your child has finished 12 years of school (not including Kindergarten)
    • Your child has achieved the educational goals set out in his or her Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Note that if your child receives Special Education services, your child may attend school until he or she obtains a regular diploma or turns 21.

Caveat: Please be aware when deciding whether your child should pursue an IEP diploma rather than a local or Regent's diploma that most colleges do not accept IEP diplomas.