Real numbers about your school years and your future, straight from New York State and the U.S. government. Tap any number to see where it comes from.
Every number: official source, data year, checked Nov 13, 2026. Tap a number to see its source.
1 The 6 things New York wants every graduate to be
These are the parts of New York's Portrait of a Graduate. You already practice them every time you think, create, explain and look ahead.
What this means for you:These are the parts of New York's Portrait of a Graduate. You already practice them every time you think, create, explain and look ahead.
2 Grade 6 now? Your grade 9 year is the Portrait year
If you are in grade 6 in 2026-27 and move up one grade each year, you start grade 9 in : the first class that shows the Portrait to graduate.
What this means for you:If you are in grade 6 in 2026-27 and move up one grade each year, you start grade 9 in : the first class that shows the Portrait to graduate.
3 Which state tests come in which grade
In grade 6 you take two state tests: English and math. Science comes in grades 5 and 8. Each one is a chance to show what you know.
What this means for you:In grade 6 you take two state tests: English and math. Science comes in grades 5 and 8. Each one is a chance to show what you know.
4 Spring 2027 test window
Your school picks its days inside this window: . Ask your teacher for your exact dates.
What this means for you:Your school picks its days inside this window: . Ask your teacher for your exact dates.
5 What the 4 test levels mean (grade 6)
Level 3 means you meet the grade's standards. On the 2026 grade 6 tests, Level 3 started at a scale score of in English and in math. Goal: 100%.
What this means for you:Level 3 means you meet the grade's standards. On the 2026 grade 6 tests, Level 3 started at a scale score of in English and in math. Goal: 100%.
6 22 credits to a Regents diploma, by subject
High school is built from credits under today's rules. Every course you finish well is one more piece.
What this means for you:High school is built from credits under today's rules. Every course you finish well is one more piece.
7 More school, more pay: median weekly earnings
In 2025, people with a bachelor's degree earned a median of a week. Every level you finish opens more doors.
What this means for you:In 2025, people with a bachelor's degree earned a median of a week. Every level you finish opens more doors.
8 More school, fewer people out of work
Unemployment was for people whose top diploma is from high school and with a bachelor's degree (2025).
What this means for you:Unemployment was for people whose top diploma is from high school and with a bachelor's degree (2025).
9 Fastest-growing jobs, 2025 to 2035
Health care, clean energy and data jobs lead the list. The math, science and reading you learn now are the starting blocks.
What this means for you:Health care, clean energy and data jobs lead the list. The math, science and reading you learn now are the starting blocks.
10 Every day counts
Missing % of school days is about days in a year. Being there is the first step to learning it all.
What this means for you:Missing % of school days is about days in a year. Being there is the first step to learning it all.
About these numbers
Only official published numbers: NYSED, NCES and the U.S. Department of Education, BLS, the Census Bureau, IRS, Federal Student Aid, the NYS Tax Department and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Each number shows its data year. Some federal tables are a few years old; we say so on the panel.
Statewide New York and national numbers only. No school or district is singled out.
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