Graduation Requirements

To earn a NYS diploma, students must meet credit and exam requirements. These requirements are separate and distinct and do not have to happen simultaneously.

Credit Requirements

Students must earn a certain number of credits in different subject areas. Most courses are 1 credit and are earned at the end of each semester.

Minimum Number of Credits.

English

8

Social Studies

  • Global History and Geometry - 4

  • US History - 2

  • Participation in Government - 1

  • Economics - 1

8

Science

  • Life Science - 2

  • Physical Science - 2

  • Life or Physical Science - 2

6

Math

  • Math Aligned to Standards Above Algebra 1 - 2

6

World Languages

2

Visual Art, Music, Dance and/or Theater

2

Physical Education

  • Must participate in each semester

4

Health

1

Electives

7

Total

44

Exam Requirements

In addition to the 44 units of credit, students must also meet the NYS exam requirements to earn a diploma.

To meet the exam requirements, students must pass 4 exams + 1 pathway.

All students must pass one exam (Regents exam or Department-approved alternative) in each of the four subject areas (English, mathematics, science, social studies) plus one pathway.

The most common pathways at HSFI are:

Humanities Pathway

Earn a passing score on one additional Regents exam or Department-approved alternative in English or social studies

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Pathway

Earn a passing score on one additional Regents exam or Department-approved alternative in mathematics or science