Our grading system helps students learn and is regularly reviewed.
How Grades are Determined
At the start of each course or unit, students will be told what’s expected of them. They’ll also be kept updated on their progress and can ask to see their grades at any time. Grading methods will suit the course and students’ abilities, and students are encouraged to self-evaluate. Teachers, parents, and sometimes students will be involved in reviewing and updating grading practices.
Grading Periods
Grades are given at the end of each marking period. Students get a progress report midway through each period. A final grade for each subject is given at the end of the school year, and all grades are recorded on report cards for parents.
What Teachers Consider for Grades
Teachers consider various factors when assigning a grade, including:
- Completed assignments (in class or at home)
- Class participation (discussions, presentations)
- Performance on tests, quizzes, and other assessments
- Research and background work
- Oral and written reports
- Laboratory work
- Term papers
- Special reports
- Any other evidence of a student’s effort and learning
- Attendance for the final grade
Understanding Your Grades
Since July 2, 2020, our numerical grading system ranges from 58-100.
- To pass a year-long course, a student needs a final grade of at least 64 and passing grades of 64 in three of the five main grading factors (four marking periods and the final exam).
- To pass a semester course, a student needs a final grade of at least 64 and passing grades of 64 in two of the three main grading factors (two marking periods and the final exam).
(For students who started high school before the Class of 2022, a letter grade system with corresponding point values is used to calculate final grades.)
Final exams cover the entire year’s work. Students with a final grade of 93 or above in a course are exempt from taking that course’s final exam.
Final Grade Calculation:
- Year-long course: (MP1-4 grades each 22.5%) + (Final Exam 10%) = Final Grade.
- Year-long course (with final exam exemption): MP1-4 grades each 25% = Final Grade.
- Semester course: (MP1-2 grades each 45%) + (Final Exam 10%) = Final Grade.
- Semester course (with final exam exemption): MP1-2 grades each 50% = Final Grade.
A grade below 64 is failing. Teachers may add up to three comments on a student’s report card.
Other Grade Types:
- Pass/Fail: This option may be given for certain non-core courses if the parent, teacher, and counselor agree, the student requests it by a set deadline, and the decision is final.
- Incomplete: Given when a student can’t finish work due to reasons beyond their control (e.g., prolonged illness, family emergency). The teacher will estimate the time needed to complete work, usually within two weeks of the marking period end or the student’s return to school. If work isn’t completed, the grade becomes a fail.
- Withdrawal-Passing (WP) / Withdrawal-Failing (WF): Assigned if a student withdraws from a course after the fifth week. WP indicates satisfactory achievement and attendance at withdrawal, while WF indicates unsatisfactory achievement, poor attendance, or administrative removal. These grades appear on the transcript but don’t affect GPA.
- Excused: Given in physical education for students excused from certain requirements for good reason.
Grade Validation
Teachers must enter all elements of marking period grades into the student information system to justify grades.
Grade Appeals
Teachers are responsible for assigning grades and may be asked to provide evidence for any grade given. If a student or parent challenges a grade, the teacher will meet with them to explain the grading system and the grade given. If unresolved, the issue can be appealed to the Principal, who will consult with the teacher and student, giving reasonable deference to the teacher’s professional judgment. If the Principal decides to change a grade, they will update all records and note who authorized the change.
Calculating Grade Point Average (GPA)
For the Class of 2022 and Beyond:
- Credits for each course are multiplied by the numerical final course grade.
- For AP-weighted courses, 5% of the final course grade is added to the course grade (e.g., 90 in an AP course becomes 94.5).
- For Honors-weighted courses, 3% of the final course grade is added (e.g., 90 in an Honors course becomes 92.7).
- All these products are summed.
- The sum is divided by the total number of credits attempted. The GPA will be on a 100-point scale.
For Classes Prior to 2022:
- Credits for each course are multiplied by the numerical GPA value of the final letter grade.
- For AP-weighted courses, 0.5 extra points are added to the numerical value (e.g., an A becomes 4.5).
- For Honors-weighted courses, 0.35 extra points are added (e.g., an A becomes 4.35).
- All these products are summed.
- The sum is divided by the total number of credits attempted.
| Range | Letter Grade | Numerical Grade Value (4-0) |
| 93-100 | A | 4.00 |
| 90-92 | A- | 3.67 |
| 87-89 | B+ | 3.33 |
| 83-86 | B | 3.00 |
| 80-82 | B- | 2.67 |
| 77-79 | C+ | 2.33 |
| 73-76 | C | 2.00 |
| 70-72 | C- | 1.67 |
| 67-69 | D+ | 1.33 |
| 64-66 | D | 1.00 |
| Below 64 | F | 0.00 |
For further clarification, please refer to the North Hunterdon-Voorhees District & Board of Education Policies and Regulations.
