Academic Info

Homework and Classwork
Homework and classwork are formal parts of the curriculum.  The intent of this work is to develop the independent study and work skills necessary for later schooling, as well as prepares students for their future.  Homework and classwork contribute significantly to both student achievement and progress reports.

Tests and Final Examinations
Student performance will be evaluated at regular intervals.  Quizzes may or may not be announced, but teachers will always inform students in advance of major tests.  Every attempt will be made to avoid scheduling more than two tests on the same day. Grade 8 will hold exams at the end of each semester.  Exam scores will be kept on file in the office.

Grading Scale
St. Paul’s Academy uses a numerical  grading scale that is listed below:

K5-1st Grade

E - Excellent (93-100)

G - Good (85-92)

S - Satisfactory (74-84)

N - Needs Improvement (70-76)

U - Unsatisfactory (Below 70)

Grades 2-8

A - Excellent (93-100)

B - Above Average (85-92)

C - Average (77-84)

D - Low Passing (70-76)

F - Failing (69 and below)

Report Cards and Progress Reports
Faculty expects students to consistently strive to achieve satisfactory growth in subject course, habits, and attitudes.  Each is important in building a well-rounded individual.  Grades 1-8 are evaluated in four nine-week grading periods.  Report cards are sent home at the end of each grading period to give parents a visual report on their students’ academic progress, effort, and citizenship (behavior in class.)  Progress reports will be sent at the mid-point of each grading period to keep parents abreast of their child’s performance.  Reports must be carefully reviewed and signed by the parent or guardian, and returned with any questions or requests for conferences within 3 school days.  Delinquent account-holders will not receive report cards or be informed of grades until accounts are reconciled.

8th grade students may earn high school credits for Algebra I and Physical Education.  In sequential courses, such as foreign language and math, a 70-point average is required before the next level of the subject may be undertaken.  If the final year-end average is below 70, the deficiency may be made up in an approved summer-school program. 

In addition to the above requirements middle school students are required to perform ten hours of community service annually.  Hours may be school related, community related, or may involve a group project with fellow students.

Honors and Awards
At the end of each nine-week grading period, students maintaining high academic standards (excluding “special area” and Physical Education) will be recognized on the Principal's List or the Faculty Honor Roll.  The following criteria will be used to determine these awards:

Principal's List – All students with a 93 average or above and no grade lower than 90.

Faculty Honor Roll – All students with an 85 average or above and no grade lower than 85.

Standardized Testing
In addition to regularly scheduled quizzes and exams, standardized testing is required of SPA students.

Summer Reading and Math Enrichment Program
Returning students are required to complete a summer reading and math program.   

Promotion, Retention, and Summer School
Any student performing below grade level may either be retained, or recommended to the summer-school program.  The teacher will make these recommendations based on achievement level, with approval by the Principal.  Any student who fails core curriculum courses for the year must attend and successfully complete those subjects during summer school in order to advance to the next grade.  Failure in two (2) academic subject areas may deny promotion to the next grade level.  This will be left to the discretion of the Principal and will result in academic probation in the following grade. 

Parent Visitation and Conferences
SPA believes that close contact between parents and teachers is vital to each child's education.  Parents are encouraged to schedule conferences with their child's teacher whenever they have concerns.  It is requested that such conferences be scheduled through the School Office rather than calling the teacher directly.  Teachers are requested not to disrupt class in order to meet with parents who have not followed this procedure, as it is unfair to other students and embarrassing to the child in question.  If, after conferring with the teacher problems are not resolved to the parent’s satisfaction, the matter should be brought to the attention of the Director, Counselor, or Principal.  Parents and all visitors must check in at the office upon entering the School.

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