Office of the Secretary

Regents Scholars

The Department of Education reminds high school principals and counselors that the list of nominees for Regent Scholar Diplomas is due April 1.  Recognizing outstanding high school graduates through presentation of a Regent Scholar Diploma is an annual activity in South Dakota through a partnership between the Department of Education and the South Dakota Board of Regents.  The program recognizes graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence.

In order to be nominated for a Regents Diploma, a graduating senior from a South Dakota high school must have completed all high school courses listed below with no final grade below a "C" (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and an overall average gradepoint of "B" (3.0 on a 4.0 scale).  The Diploma must be requested by the high school’s administrator.

The courses required for a Regents Diploma are:

4 units of English: Courses with major emphasis upon grammar, composition, or literary analysis; one year of debate instruction may be included to meet this requirement.

4 units of algebra or higher mathematics: Algebra, geometry, trigonometry or other advanced mathematics including accelerated or honors mathematics (algebra) provided at the 8th grade level; not included are arithmetic, business, consumer or general mathematics or other similar courses.

4 units of science including 3 units of approved laboratory science: Courses in biology, chemistry, or physics in which at least one (1) regular laboratory period is scheduled each week. Qualifying physical science or earth science courses (with lab) shall be decided on a case by case basis. 

3 units of social studies: History, economics, sociology, geography, government--including U.S. and South Dakota, American Problems, and similar courses.

2 units of a modern or classical language (includes American Sign Language):  The two units must be in the same language.

1 unit of fine arts:  coursework in art, theatre or music. Such credit may be in appreciation, analysis, or performance.

1/2 unit of computer science: Students will have basic keyboarding skills and have had experience in using a personal computer including word-processing, database and spreadsheet software and in using the Internet or other wide area networks.

To request the designation of eligible graduating seniors as Regent Scholars, the high school administrator must submit the high school’s official list of nominees, including:

• the name of each eligible graduating senior;

• each student’s SIMS ID number;

• and the student’s graduation date.

The information will be printed on the Regent Scholar diplomas; the diplomas will be sent to the high school administrator for presentation to the students during graduation ceremonies.

To ensure that the diplomas are received in time for graduation, requests must be submitted by April 1,  to Pam Hoepfer, SD Department of Education, 700 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501-2291,  ph: 605-773-3426  fax: 605-773-6139 or email: pam.hoepfer@state.sd.us.