Confusion Over November Diploma Exams: What Calgary Students Need to Know

Calgary high school students are grappling with academic uncertainty as the November 2025 diploma exams have been declared optional by Alberta Education. This significant shift, announced on Friday, October 17, stems from the ongoing province-wide teacher strike, which began on October 6, causing widespread disruption to instructional time across Alberta, including Calgary.

For many Calgary students, particularly those like recent graduates looking to boost their final marks, questions abound. Traditionally, diploma exams account for 30% of a student's final grade in relevant courses. The primary concern is whether opting out means their final transcript marks will rely solely on school grades, and what impact this might have on post-secondary applications.

The good news for local students is that Alberta Education has confirmed choosing not to write these optional November 2025 exams will not affect a student's ability to graduate or apply to, be accepted by, or attend post-secondary institutions after graduation. Universities, including the University of Calgary, have historically adapted to similar situations, accepting the final grade reported by the Ministry regardless of diploma inclusion. For students who do choose to write, exams will proceed on their originally scheduled dates, provided they submit a request to their school board.

While the November exams are optional, it's important to note that no adjustments have been made for the January and June diploma exams or provincial achievement tests. As the teacher strike continues, impacting thousands of students, this decision offers some clarity, though the broader educational community in Calgary still seeks further guidance for individual circumstances.