I graduated high school this year. I want to go to a private college, but I have a local diploma. I had an IEP, because I had autism since I was 5. I however have very good grades in Junior and Senior, I get 80s and 90s for my classes, but on the regents I only got 67 on LE, 70 on algebra 1, 69 for ELA, 52 for Global, 60 for US History. I used the low safety net option which allows us to only get 55 or above for a local diploma. I don’t have an IEP anymore because I am no longer in high school, I’ll be a general education student.
So the bottom line is: I have a local diploma but very good grades.
FYI A local diploma and Regents diploma look the same, expect I don’t have a sticker saying it’s a regents diploma.
Yes, you can go to college with a local diploma. However, with your regents grades, you will most likely have to start at community college as it will be a challenge for you to get into a 4-year private college and be successful there.
You can still attend the SUNY CC’s, live in the dorms and have a college experience. Once you complete your associates, you would be in a much better position to transfer to a 4 year school.
I really hope that you did not get your IEP decertified before you left high. If you still have your IEP, it would actually be a good thing
- you can register your IEP at the office of accessibility/ disability services/support services to get extended time and services at college.
Most importantly, you should be using your active IEP to register for ACCES-VR, where you would be eligible for additional financial aid.
http://www.acces.nysed.gov/vr/college-higher-education