Final Exams Optional for All High Schoolers | Raleigh News

Raleigh News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 20, 2026 · 1m

Wake County schools are ditching the final exam grind for thousands of students—now ALL high schoolers, not just seniors, can skip teacher-made finals if they’ve got solid grades and minimal unexcused absences. After student uproar over the original attendance rules, the district listened: only unexcused absences count against you—up to three for an A, one for a B. This major shift, fueled by a petition with thousands of signatures, aims to reward good work without punishing legitimate absences like doctor’s visits. The new policy kicks in Monday for the upcoming school year. Listen in…