Graduation Requirements
The Leon M. Goldstein High School for the Sciences
Requirements for graduation
In New York State, students can earn three types of diplomas:
- A Regents diploma
- An advanced Regents diploma
- A local diploma
All of these diplomas are valid high school diplomas. All students can earn a Regents or advanced Regents diploma. An advanced Regents diploma lets students show additional skills in math, science, and languages other than English. Only some students who meet specific criteria can graduate with a local diploma, with lower exam scores. To earn a diploma, students must earn specific course credits and pass specific Regents exams.
Examination Requirements Regents Diploma
Students must achieve a score of 65 or higher on these five exams to earn a Regents diploma.
- English Language Arts (ELA)
- Any math exam (Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II/Trigonometry)
- Any social studies exam (Global History and Geography or U.S. History and Government)
- Any science exam (Living Environment, Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics)
- Any additional Regents exam, or another option approved by the State
Examination Requirements Advanced Regents Diploma
Students must score 65 or higher on the following nine exams to earn an advanced Regents diploma.
- English Language Arts (ELA)
- Three math exams (Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II/Trigonometry)
- One social studies exam (Global History and Geography or U.S. History and Government)
- Two science exams (Living Environment and one of these: Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics)
- Any additional Regents exam, or another option approved by the State
- Any NYC World Languages exam (also known as Languages Other Than English (LOTE) exam)
Required Courses/Credits
Students must successfully complete three to four years of study in the following disciplines in order to obtain a diploma at The Leon M. Goldstein High School: four years (eight credits) of English; four years (eight credits) of social studies; four years (eight credits) of mathematics; four years (eight credits) of science; and three years (six credits, for advanced regents diploma)or one year (two credits for Regents diploma) of a world language. In addition to these subjects, students must complete four years (eight terms) of physical education, one-half year (one credit) of health education, one year (two credits) of Arts education including art, music and visual arts, and seven elective credits. The minimum total number of credits needed for graduation is 44.
All students at Goldstein are scheduled for full programs each year they attend the school.
Elective Courses
Students may elect to take a number of courses throughout their high school career and obtain credit for these courses toward graduation. Elective courses provide enrichment and advanced study; some courses such as Advanced Placement and College Now offer college credit as well as high school elective credit.