PROMOTION AND RETENTION

Student placement policies are based on the philosophy that students benefit most from an educational program appropriate to their level of achievement, physical maturation, and social development.  Most students will make regular progress and will be promoted to the next grade level.  However, individual circumstances may indicate a need for retention or acceleration. 

All academic classes are equally important. Grades earned in Armenian language, Armenian Studies, English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies receive equal emphasis when promotion or retention is considered. 

PROMOTION

The following policy makes up the minimum academic expectations of students: 

Elementary (Grades K - 5): 

Six chronological years of progress through grades is the standard expectancy from students.  Students demonstrating difficulty in mastering basic skills usually are identified as early as in their primary grades (K-2). 

To be promoted to the next grade level, students must meet the following criteria:

a.       Master the basic skills in all academic classes.

b.      Have no “F” grades at the end of the academic year in any class.

c.       Attend at least 85% of school days regularly, except in special circumstances.

d.      Receive teachers' recommendation for promotion.

Students who fail to meet the above criteria must repeat the grade. Failing students will be given the opportunity to attend summer school and upon successful completion of the course material, will be promoted to the next grade level.

Middle School (Grades 6 - 8):

To be promoted to the next grade level, students must meet the following criteria:

a.       Achieve an overall GPA of “C” (2.0) or better by the end of the academic year.

b.      Have no “F” grades in any course at the end of the academic year.

c.       Attend at least 85% of school days, except in special circumstances.

Students who fail to meet the above criteria will repeat their grade. Failing students will be given the opportunity to attend summer school and upon successful completion of the course material, will be promoted to the next grade level.  In some cases, upon recommendations of the teacher, a student may follow directed study instead of attending summer school

High School (Grades 9 - 12):

To be promoted to the next grade level, students must meet the following criteria:

a)      Achieve an overall GPA of “C” (2.0) or better by the end of the academic year.

b)      Have no “F” grades at the end of each semester in any course.

c)      Attend at least 85% of school days regularly, except in special circumstances.

If a student's grade is "F" in a core course at the end of any or both semesters, he/she must repeat the course through summer school before accelerating to the next grade level. Students with "D" grades and planning to attend a 4-year college must also repeat the "D" grade course to attain a "C" grade or better. 

RETENTION

Retention is intended as a means to improve the student's potential success in the future and is not a punitive measure. A student will not advance to next grade level if he/she has less than 1.0 GPA and/or three (3) failing grades in core academic subjects.

Students in grades K-8, who have attained failing scores during the first semester, must raise their grades to "C" or better at the end of the second semester to be able to move on to the next grade level.  Failure to reach such level may be cause for class retention. 

Students who receive an "F" in Citizenship at the end of the first semester are placed on behavioral probation.  At the end of the second semester, these students must raise their grade level to "C" to be eligible for reenrollment at Ferrahian. Students with an "F" in Citizenship at the end of the year may not reenroll at Ferrahian.

To retain a student, the following procedures must be followed:

• During the 3^rd quarter, the Administration must warn the parents of failing students about possible class retentions.
• After the class retention warning, the academic advisor or a representative of the Administration must meet with the students to discuss the shortcomings and suggest remedies.       
• Parents will be informed of the reasons for retention and they will be involved in the process to resolve the situation.
• A final conference amonbe informed of the reasons for retention and they will be involved in the process to resolve the situation.
• A final conference among the parent(s), student, Academic Advisor, and the Principal will take place before students are retained. 
• The Principal ultimately decides if a student must retain a class.

ACCELERATION

Under special circumstances, the principal, taking into consideration staff recommendations as well as student’s level of achievement, age, maturity, and other factors, may allow acceleration. 

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