Earlier this week, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and Board of Regents announced an important change to New York State’s high school graduation requirements that will begin with students graduating in 2028.
As part of the state’s NY Inspires initiative, New York is changing how students demonstrate their readiness to graduate and is moving to one high school diploma. Beginning in 2028, students will no longer be required to pass a prescribed set of Regents examinations as a separate requirement to earn a diploma.
Regents exams are not being eliminated. They will continue to be administered and will remain an important way for students to demonstrate achievement of New York State learning standards.
Please note that for the 2026-27 school year, current graduation and assessment requirements remain in effect.
Students should continue to attend their courses, complete all required coursework and credits, and take Regents exams as scheduled. There is no immediate change to students’ schedules, courses, or academic expectations.
New York State is gradually moving toward a broader system for determining whether students are prepared for life after high school. In July 2025, the Board of Regents adopted the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, which establishes a vision for the knowledge, skills and qualities students should develop by the time they graduate.
The Portrait of a Graduate identifies six attributes of a New York State graduate:
- Academically Prepared
- Creative Innovator
- Critical Thinker
- Effective Communicator
- Global Citizen
- Reflective and Future Focused
NYSED will continue developing the regulations and guidance needed to implement these changes. Until those changes take effect, students and families should continue to follow all existing course, credit and Regents exam requirements.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students.