Long Island Students Excel in Math and English; NYC Falls Behind

URGENT UPDATE: New data reveals that students in Long Island are achieving remarkable success in math and English, significantly outpacing their peers in New York City. Over 85% of students from Nassau and Suffolk County successfully passed the English regents last school year, a staggering 10% higher than the state average. In contrast, only 48% of NYC’s public school students passed the algebra regents, highlighting a troubling academic divide.

The latest findings from the New York State Education Department show that nearly 70% of Long Island students passed the new algebra regents, surpassing the state’s benchmark of 56%. Meanwhile, just 68% of NYC students cleared the English regents, with many struggling to achieve even basic proficiency.

As the academic landscape evolves, Long Island’s performance remains steady, with the majority of students passing exams at rates similar to previous years. However, there has been a notable decline in the highest levels of achievement. The percentage of students earning a Level 5 score on the English regents dropped to just over 43% in the 2024–25 school year, down from 53% the year prior.

In NYC, the decline is even sharper, with Level 5 scores plummeting from 30% to 22%. This trend raises alarms among educators and officials, including Bob Vecchio, Executive Director of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association. “It definitely is a big drop from the highest level,” Vecchio stated.

The data also indicates a decrease in the number of Long Island school districts where at least 90% of students tested proficient, falling from 61 to 51 out of the 99 reporting districts. Notably, 99% of students in Cold Spring Harbor passed the English exam, while only 60% passed in Wyandanch.

The disparity reflects a broader pattern where districts with more resources yield better academic results. Vecchio points to several factors contributing to these results, including the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving state graduation standards. As the regents exams move towards becoming optional by 2027, students appear to prioritize other aspects of their education over exam preparation.

Vecchio elaborated, “It is a very transformative time for students.” He noted that current ninth graders, who will be seniors when the exams become optional, may no longer see the tests as crucial to their futures. “The more important measurement of a student’s success is whether they graduate or not,” he added.

Despite the drop in top-performing students, there is a silver lining. Long Island children in grades three through eight experienced a 7.5% increase in English proficiency, mirroring improvements seen in NYC students. This suggests that while high school students may be shifting focus, younger students are still making strides.

As the state continues to adapt its educational framework, the implications of these trends will be closely monitored. Educators and policymakers must address the widening achievement gap, ensuring that all students, regardless of their district, receive the resources and support necessary for success.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the academic landscape continues to shift.