When the Regents Examinations were cancelled last year, students were relieved from the stress of having to take the exam during the Coronavirus pandemic. This year, many students were hoping for the same announcement. However, the New York City Department of Education has decided to hold Regents exams this year, for select subjects such as English, math, and science.

The Regents are not a graduation requirement this year, so taking them is optional.  The English Regents will be held on June 17, 2021, the Living Environment (Biology) Regents will be held on June 22nd, 2021, and the Algebra 1 Regents will be held on June 23rd, 2021.  The LOTE (foreign language) exams and the Global History Regents have been cancelled. Blended learners are expected to take the exams listed above if they are in those respective classes. Remote learners must register to come in for the exam if they wish to take it. The Bronx Science administration will send out e-mails with more information later on.

Some students believe there are benefits to offering some Regents exams this year.  “Having only a few Regents is fine. I think it’s fine for the time being because, given these circumstances, it is very difficult to figure out a feasible solution. I think it’s appropriate for the government to be focusing on state exams and Regents because education is a concern of some parents,” said Jacey Mok ’24. Some students are glad that this year’s Regents are optional for everyone. “Making the Regents Exams optional gives some students who actually want to take the Regents a chance to,” said Fayaz Kewser ’24. 

Six Regents have been cancelled, and only three are happening so far. Nothing is set in stone, so make sure to keep checking your e-mails — especially if you are a remote learner interested in taking the Regents in June.

The New York City Department of Education has decided to hold Regents exams this year, which are optional for students who wish to take them, for select subjects such as English, math, and science.