New York City Public Schools Reports Record Growth in New York State Seal of Biliteracy Recipients

NEW YORK - New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) today announced a notable increase in the number of students awarded the prestigious New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) endorsement on their high school diploma, underscoring the system's ongoing commitment to fostering multilingualism and global competency among its graduates.

In the 2024-2025 academic year, more than 2,500 high school students across 133 schools earned the NYSSB - a distinguished honor recognizing high-level proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages in addition to English. This represents a 29 percent increase in recipients, and a 24 percent expansion in participating schools compared to the previous year, reflecting the growing momentum behind language equity and access citywide.

"Not only is New York City the world's most diverse city, but we live in an increasingly global world. That's why our young people need the cultural knowledge and practical skills of learning new languages," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. "Our administration has increased access to bilingual education programs and World and Heritage Language courses, and now a record high level of our students are learning new languages in school and excelling at them. Together, we are ensuring that our schools are inclusive places where all students can thrive, and that each and every student is equipped to handle the world outside."

"Multilingualism is a superpower in today's world, and our students' ability to communicate across languages opens doors to greater opportunity, deeper cultural understanding, and continued success throughout life," said Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. "The growing number of students earning the Seal of Biliteracy across our schools is a testament to their dedication, the support of our educators, and our commitment as a school system to prepare every student for success in a diverse and dynamic world."

"The Seal of Biliteracy reflects one of our city's greatest strengths: its linguistic and cultural diversity," said Deputy Chancellor of the Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning, Christina Foti. "With more schools offering the Seal, more languages represented, and more students participating than ever before, we are on track to exceed our goals and prepare thousands of graduates to thrive in a multilingual world, with the added benefit of earning college credit and expanding their postsecondary opportunities."

This positive news is no coincidence - the Adams administration and New York City Public Schools have increased access to bilingual education programs and World and Heritage Language courses. Students across New York City Public Schools have multiple pathways to earn the New York State Seal of Biliteracy. Many students fulfill the Seal's requirements by completing culminating projects in both English and a World Language - which are often integrated into existing courses such as 12th-grade English or advanced language classes or developed during dedicated instructional time. Additionally, students enrolled in bilingual education programs can apply their academic experience directly toward the Seal, while others qualify through successful completion of advanced World Language coursework or proficiency assessments. Lastly, newly arrived multilingual learners may use academic records from schools outside the United States where instruction was delivered in a language other than English to demonstrate their language proficiency.

In addition to earning the New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB), students can now apply it toward their postsecondary education. As of February 2025, 11 City University of New York (CUNY) colleges offer between 3 and 8 college credits to students who have earned the Seal.

"The Seal of Biliteracy affirms the value of bilingualism in a diverse and multicultural society," said Lori Ann Newman, Assistant Principal of PROGRESS High School for Professional Careers. "It elevates both the linguistic and cultural experiences of students, including many immigrant students. The Seal provides a space for us as educators to celebrate and even be inspired by the lifelong power of these young adults to navigate the world in two or more languages. In sum, the Seal of Biliteracy is well on its way to becoming a key component of education in our pluralistic democracy."

"CUNY's diverse and multilingual student body is key to helping New York City thrive," said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. "By awarding college credits to students who earn the New York State Seal of Biliteracy, we encourage future students to get a head start and value being multilingual as an important skill for their careers. At CUNY, one-third of undergraduates are born outside the mainland United States, making this recognition especially meaningful."

NYC Public Schools remains committed to expanding access to the Seal by increasing both the number of participating schools and the range of languages offered. These efforts reflect the city's recognition of multilingualism as a vital asset and a powerful driver of academic, professional, and cultural opportunity.

Contact: Chancellor's Press Office [email protected]