We would like to take this opportunity to share information regarding the announcement from the New York State Education Department and Board of Regents earlier this fall regarding the future of high school graduation requirements for all New York students.
As part of the state’s , the state is exploring changes to how students demonstrate readiness for graduation and life after high school. At its September meeting, the Board of Regents approved a framework for changes, and additional guidance and regulations are expected later this school year.
Until those regulations are formally adopted, all current graduation requirements remain in effect.
We anticipate that, beginning with students who graduate in 2028, New York will transition to a single high school diploma pathway. As part of this change, students would no longer be required to pass a prescribed set of Regents exams as a separate requirement for earning a diploma.
It is important to note that Regents examinations are not being eliminated. They would continue to be administered and remain an important measure of student achievement and mastery of New York State Learning Standards.
While much of the recent discussion has focused on Regents examinations, they are only one component of the broader work underway to modernize New York's graduation and assessment system. As part of this effort, New York is exploring additional ways for students to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competencies they develop throughout their educational experience and their readiness for success beyond high school.
What This Means for Students Right Now
For the 2026-27 school year, all current graduation and assessment requirements remain in effect. Students should continue to attend classes regularly, complete all required coursework and credits, prepare for and take Regents examinations as scheduled, and follow their current academic plans.
At this time, there are no immediate changes to student schedules, course requirements or academic expectations.
Looking Ahead
New York is gradually moving toward a broader approach to determining student readiness for life after high school. This work is guided by the state’s which outlines the knowledge, skills and qualities students should develop before graduation.
With Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education at its core, the Portrait of a Graduate identifies six key attributes:
- Academically Prepared
- Creative Innovator
- Critical Thinker
- Effective Communicator
- Global Citizen
- Reflective and Future Focused
These attributes reflect the state's vision for ensuring all students graduate ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Until any changes take effect, students should continue to follow all existing course, credit and Regents examination requirements. We will continue to keep families informed as additional guidance becomes available, and will approach any future changes with students at the center of our planning and decision-making.
Next Steps in the City School District of Â鶹ӰÒô
In order to learn more about what these changes will mean for our students and schools, we are participating in regional and statewide meetings and conversations, closely monitoring all communications from the State Education Department, and establishing a comprehensive Design Team to lead this important work.
Over the next several years, there will be numerous opportunities for students and families to learn more, share your voices and contribute your ideas and perspectives.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students. If you have questions, please contact your child's school counselor.
Sincerely,
Joseph Hochreiter
Superintendent