If you grew up in New York, the word "Regents" probably triggers a very specific kind of stress. You remember the humid June classrooms, the No. 2 pencils, and that specific blue-and-white exam booklet that felt like it held your entire future. For over 150 years, these tests have been the gatekeepers of the New York high school diploma.
But things are changing. Fast.
If you’re a parent of a current middle schooler or a freshman, you’ve probably heard whispers that the exams are "going away." That is not entirely true. Honestly, the reality is a lot more complicated than a simple "yes" or "no." We are currently sitting in a massive transition period where the old rules still apply, but the new ones—born from the Board of Regents' "Blue Ribbon Commission"—are already starting to leak into the 2026 and 2027 school years.
The 2026 Reality: Are the Exams Actually Dead?
Basically, no. They aren't dead yet. If you are graduating in 2026, you are still very much in the "Old World."
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) is a massive ship, and it turns slowly. While the Board of Regents voted to "sunset" the requirement that students must pass exams to graduate, that full phase-out doesn't hit the "no-pass-required" status for everyone until the 2027-2028 school year.
For the Class of 2026, the current 4+1 pathway is still the law of the land.
You still need those 22 credits. You still need to sit for those exams in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. But here is where it gets interesting: the state is already softening the edges. We're seeing more "appeals" being granted for scores between 60 and 64 than ever before. It’s like the state is keeping the door locked but leaving the window wide open.
What about "Financial Literacy" and "Climate Education"?
This is a detail most people miss. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, New York is adding new requirements that have nothing to do with bubbling in circles.
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- Financial Literacy: You'll actually have to learn how a credit card works or how to file taxes. Finally.
- Climate Education: This is being woven into the curriculum as a mandatory pillar.
These aren't just "extra" things; they are part of the new "Portrait of a Graduate." The state is shifting its focus from "Can you memorize the Treaty of Versailles?" to "Can you survive in the modern economy?"
The "Portrait of a Graduate" vs. The Standardized Test
Commissioner Betty Rosa has been pretty vocal about this. She calls it a "bold vision." The idea is that a single three-hour test in June shouldn't outweigh four years of work.
The state is moving toward something called performance-based assessment.
Imagine, instead of a high-stakes Algebra II Regents, a student presents a "capstone project." Maybe they design a bridge using geometric principles or run a mock business to prove they understand the math. For some students, this is a lifesaver. For others, it feels like "lowering the standards."
Honestly, it depends on who you ask.
Critics like those from the City Journal argue that removing the exam requirement will make a New York diploma meaningless. They worry we’re trading objective metrics for subjective "vibes." Meanwhile, advocates at NYC Outward Bound Schools argue that the old system was biased against kids who just aren't good test-takers but are brilliant in the real world.
The Single Diploma Mystery
Right now, New York has a hierarchy. You've got the Local Diploma, the Regents Diploma, and the Regents with Advanced Designation.
It’s basically a tier system.
By the time the new 2026-2027 changes fully bake in, the state wants to move to a one-diploma model. No more tiers. If you meet the requirements, you get the diploma. If you do extra work, you get a "seal" or an "endorsement," like the Seal of Biliteracy.
This is a huge shift. It’s meant to stop the "tracking" of students—where some kids are labeled "advanced" and others "local" at age 14. But for the 2026 grad, you're still likely going to see those different labels on your sheepskin.
What You Actually Need to Do Right Now
If you're a student or a parent looking at the 2026 horizon, don't stop studying for the Regents. Seriously.
Even though the state is "sunsetting" the requirements, most colleges—especially the SUNY and CUNY systems—still use those scores for placement. If you bomb your Math Regents because you heard "they don't matter anymore," you might find yourself stuck in a non-credit remedial math class in college. That costs money and earns you zero credits.
Don't fall for the "it's optional" trap too early.
Actionable Steps for the Class of 2026
- Check your "Safety Net" eligibility. If you have an IEP or 504 plan, the rules for passing are already much more flexible. Talk to your counselor about the "Superintendent Determination" option.
- Look into the "Special Appeal." If you score a 62, you don't necessarily have to retake it. You can appeal to have that score count as a "pass" for graduation purposes.
- Prioritize the "Big Three." Federal law still requires New York to test in English, Math, and Science. Even if the state drops its own graduation requirement, these tests aren't vanishing because the federal government says they have to stay.
- Watch the November 2025 Board Meeting. That’s when the state is expected to drop the final, granular details on how the "Portrait of a Graduate" rubrics will actually be graded.
The New York State Regents system is in its "awkward teenage years." It’s not what it used to be, but it’s not yet what it’s going to become. Stay the course, keep your grades up, and remember that even if the test becomes "optional," the knowledge behind it usually isn't.
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Keep a close eye on your specific district’s guidance. While the State sets the floor, local school boards often set the ceiling. Some districts might keep the Regents as a local requirement even after the state lets it go. Don't get caught off guard by a local rule while you're celebrating a state-level change.