High School Graduation Requirements

High school graduation requirements differ based on the year of entry into grade 9 and type of program.

If a student repeats grade 9, the requirements for the first year he or she was in grade 9 apply.

Each year, the New York City Department of Education (DOE) distributes a high school graduation requirements card to each grade 9 high school student. This card outlines the distribution of credits, Regents exams, and passing scores on Regents exams that are required for graduation.

All high school students are advised to speak with their guidance counselors to ensure that they are on the correct path to graduation. New York City schools offer three types of diplomas to graduating high school students. All students are required to earn at least 44 credits to graduate regardless of the type of diploma they are pursuing.

• Attend school and all their classes, a minimum of 90% of the time.
  
• Earn at least 44 credits
  
• Pass five Regents exams: English, Math, Global History, U.S. History, and Science.
  Note: The number of credits required to take the Regents exams and passing grades differ according to the high school program/diploma.
  
• Satisfy all requirements for the program they have completed as noted below:

• Earn 44 credits
• Score a 65 or higher on the five required Regents exams below:
  
  • English Language Arts (ELA)
  • Any math exams (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 another option approved by the State

  To earn an Advanced Regents diploma, students must complete the following credits:

  • 8 English
  • 8 Social Studies (4 in Global history, 2 in US History, 1 in Government, and 1 in Economics
  • 6 Science (2 in any life science, 2 in any physical science, and 2 in any life science or physical science)
  • 6 Math including 2 credits in advanced math (Geometry or Algebra II)
  • 6 World Language
  • 1 Health Education
  • 4 Physical Education - Note: Each physical education course is equivalent to 0.6 credits
  • 2 Visual Art, Music, Dance, and/or Theater
  • 3 elective credits
  • Score 65 percent or more on the following nine Regents exams
  • English Language Arts (ELA)
  • Three Math exams (Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II/Trigonometry)
  • One Social Studies exam (Global History and Geography or US History and Government)
  • Two Science Exams (Living Environment and one of the following: Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics)
  • Any additional Regents exam
  • Any NYC World Languages exam (also known as Languages Other Than English (LOTE) exam)