AN HONORS ENDORSEMENT

A student earns a computed average of at least 90 on the Regents examinations applicable to either a Regents diploma or a Regents diploma with advanced designation. No more than 2 Department approved alternatives can be substituted for Regents examinations and the locally developed Checkpoint B LOTE examination is not included in the calculation. Please find more information related to an Honors Endorsement here.

A MASTERY IN MATH AND/OR SCIENCE ENDORSEMENT

Mastery in Mathematics

Student completed all the requirements for the Regents diploma with advanced designation; and
- passed 3 Regents Exams in mathematics with a score of 85 or higher; or
- passed 2 Regents Exams in mathematics with a score of 85 or higher and was granted an exemption on a third Regents Exam in mathematics; or
- passed 1 Regents Exams in mathematics with an 85 or higher and earned a final course grade of 85 or higher in 2 additional mathematics courses culminating in a Regents Exam for which an exemption was granted.

Mastery in Science

Student completed all the requirements for the Regents diploma with advanced designation; and
- passed 3 Regents Exams in science with a score of 85 or higher; or
- passed 2 Regents Exams in science with a score of 85 or higher and was granted an exemption on a third Regents Exam in science; or
- passed 1 Regents Exam in science with an 85 or higher and earned a final course grade of 85 or higher in 2 additional science courses culminating in a Regents Exam for which an exemption was granted.

A CAREER AND TECHNICAL ENDORSEMENT (CTE)

The technical endorsement may be awarded to students who complete the requirements for any diploma type (local, Regents, or Regents with advanced designation) and also complete a NYSED-Approved Secondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) program that includes:

passing a minimum of 3.5 CTE credits
passing each part of a 3-part technical assessment (written, demonstration, project components).

In Schenectady, students have the option of completing a NYSED approved Career & Technical Education Program (CTE Program) in Business and Administrative Services, Entrepreneurship, Culinary Arts, and Computer Animated Drawing. Additional information can be referenced on the Career and Technical Endorsements.

THE NEW YORK STATE SEAL OF BILITERACY (NYSSB)

The Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and one or more world languages. The intent of the NYSSB is to encourage the study of languages, to identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers, to provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking admission and placement, to prepare students with twenty-first century skills, to recognize the value of language instruction, and to affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society. Successful candidates will earn three points in English and three points in each world language from a points matrix, which includes course grades, national and state exams, transcripts, and culminating projects. Please find more information on the NYSSB endorsement within the Schenectady City School District here.

THE SEAL OF CIVIC READINESS (Pending final approval from NYSed for the 2026-2027 academic year)

The Seal of Civic Readiness New York State is a formal recognition that a student has attained a high level of proficiency in terms of civic knowledge, civic skills, civic mindset, and civic experiences. The Seal of Civic Readiness distinction on a high school transcript and diploma:

shows the student’s understanding of a commitment to participatory government; civic responsibility and civic values;
demonstrates to universities, colleges, and future employers that the student has completed an action project in civics or social justice; and
recognizes the value of civic engagement and scholarship.

Schenectady High School

DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS

Graduation Requirements

NYS Diploma Regents Exam Requirements

Special Diploma Endorsements

Alternate Ways of Earning Credit