High School Graduation Requirements

In New York State, there are three types of diploma: a local diploma, a Regents diploma, and an Advanced Regents diploma. All students can earn a Regents or Advanced Regents diploma; however only students who meet specific criteria are eligible to graduate with a local diploma, which allows students to graduate with lower exam scores. The type of diploma your child earns depends on his or her course credits and scores on specific Regents exams, as shown in the table below. An Advanced Regents diploma lets students demonstrate additional skills in math, science, and languages other than English. If you think your child is not earning the credits she or he needs to graduate, please speak to your school’s guidance counselor immediately. Keep in mind that a student may always exceed these requirements; these represent the minimum.

For more information visit the Department of Education website:
Department of Education Graduation Requirements

Local Diploma

  • 8 Credits: Core English
  • 8 Credits: Social Studies: Global History (4), History (2), Participation in Government (1), Economics (1)
  • 6 Credits: Mathematics: including at least two credits of advanced Math (e.g, Geometry or Algebra II)
  • 6 Credits: Science: Life Science (2), Physical (2), Life Science or Physical Science (2)
  • 2 Credits: Language Other than English (LOTE)*
  • 4 Credits: Physical Education (every year, distributed in specific ways)
  • 1 Credit: Health
  • 2 Credits: Visual Art, Music, Dance, and/or Theater
  • 7 Credits: Electives

Total Credits: 44

Examination Requirements

Regents Diploma

Your child must achieve a score of 65 or higher on these five Regents exams:

  • English Language Arts (ELA)
  • Any mathematics exam (Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II/Trigonometry)
  • Any social studies exam (Global History and Geography or U.S History and Government)
  • Any science exam (Living Environment, Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics)
  • Any additional Regents exam or assessment approved by the State for this purpose

Advanced Regents Diploma 

Your child must achieve a score of 65 or higher on these nine exams:

  • English Language Arts (ELA)
  • Three mathematics exams (Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II/Trigonometry)
  • Any social studies exam (Global History and Geography or U.S. History and Government)
  • Two science exam (Living Environment and one of these: Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics)
  • Any additional Regents exam or assessment approved by the State for this purpose Any NYC Languages Other Than English (LOTE) exam