In a recent meeting, Southside High School officials provided an in-depth overview of the various diploma options available to students in New York State, highlighting the distinctions between the Regents diploma and the Advanced Regents diploma. The Regents diploma requires passing scores on a series of exams, including one in math, science, English, social studies, and a chosen pathway, which can include additional social studies, science, math, or career and technical education. The Advanced Regents diploma demands a more rigorous academic path, requiring additional exams and coursework in world languages or the arts.

The school is also preparing for potential changes in graduation measures as suggested by the Blue Ribbon Commission, with faculty already reviewing these recommendations to ensure alignment with future state requirements.

The meeting revealed that the graduation rate for the 2023-2024 cohort was an impressive 99% for the Regents diploma, with 89% achieving the Advanced Regents designation. These figures are consistent with previous years, showcasing the school's strong performance compared to Nassau County, where only 65% of students earned the Advanced Regents diploma.

Significantly, Southside High School's performance among student subgroups was highlighted, with 45% of students with disabilities, 67% of economically disadvantaged students, and 72% of historically disadvantaged students earning the Advanced Regents diploma—far exceeding county averages.

The discussion also included detailed analysis of Regents exam results, with Southside students outperforming their Nassau County peers in both passing and mastery rates across various subjects. The school emphasized the importance of participation rates in elective exams, noting that a higher percentage of eligible students at Southside take these exams compared to the county, further underscoring the school's commitment to academic excellence.

Looking ahead, officials expressed a focus on preparing students for post-secondary success, emphasizing the value of rigorous coursework in subjects like algebra and science. The meeting concluded with a review of Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings, where Southside students' performance was mixed compared to county averages, prompting discussions on strategies for improvement.

Overall, the meeting underscored Southside High School's commitment to academic achievement and its proactive approach to adapting to potential changes in educational standards.