New York Ends Regents Exam Requirement for High School Graduation

YONKERS, NY — New York students will no longer be required to pass Regents exams to graduate from high school, a major change to the state’s diploma requirements that will begin with the class of 2028.

Under the next phase of the state’s NY Inspires education plan, New York will move toward a single high school diploma. Students will still be able to distinguish their academic achievements through state and locally developed seals and endorsements.

Regents exams are not disappearing. The tests will continue to be administered as a measure of student achievement but will no longer determine whether a student can earn a diploma.

Yonkers Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anibal Soler Jr. called the change “a bold step” and said the district is prepared for the transition.

“Yonkers is ready,” Soler said, pointing to Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment and Career and Technical Education programs already available in the district.

“We look forward to hearing more from the state about how we can assess our students in a more equitable fashion,” he added.

The Yonkers Post plans to speak with local families of high school students to hear their reactions to the changes.