Promotion and Graduation Standards
Grading scale: PCSS will use the standard grading scale used in most of the schools. Passing grade for a course is C- (70%) or above.
| 100-98 = A+ | 89-87 = B+ | 79-77 = C+ | 69-67 = D+ | 59-0 = F |
| 97-93 = A | 86-83 = B | 76-73 = C | 66-63 = D | |
| 92-90 = A- | 82-80 = B- | 72-70 = C- | 62-60 = D- |
Grade expectations represent:
A- to A+ = The students have a deep understanding of the subject matter and can complete their work independently with few or no mistakes.
B- to B+ = The students have a good understanding of the subject matter.
C- to C+ = The students have a moderate understanding of the subject.
D or below = The students have trouble understanding the subject and need substantial help.
Grade promotion in grades 7 and 8:
To be promoted to the next grade level, the student is required to pass the three out of four core courses (namely mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies), the computer course, and the character education course of the student’s current grade level. Eighth grade students will be encouraged to continue their attendance at the school for grades 9-12. However, 8th graders of PCSS will be well-positioned to attend any high school in Massachusetts or elsewhere. The students who are promoted at each grade level may graduate from middle school. The students who fail only one of the required courses may attend to summer school and may be promoted if they receive a passing grade in the summer school program.
Grade promotions in grades 9-12:
To be promoted to the next grade level, the student is required to pass the four core courses, namely mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies and one elective.
High school graduation requirements:
The followings are the requirements students will have to meet in order to receive a high school diploma (One credit is for one full year of class):
Students must earn 26 credits in grades 9-12 in order to graduate, besides other requirements given in table above. Participation in school athletic program for one full year will be accepted as one PE credit. The normal high school sequence of study is four years. An exceptionally advanced student who has met all graduation requirements may apply for early graduation. The student must make his/her plans known to his/her guidance counselor at least one year prior to the desired graduation date. The Director will make the final decision on the feasibility of early graduation after a conference with parents or guardians, the student and the guidance counselor.
Required courses and credit units for graduation are as follows:
| Mathematics: 5 credits | Computer Literacy: 1 credit |
| Science: 5 credits | Foreign Language: 1 credit |
| English Language Arts: 4 credits | Physical Education: 1 credit |
| Social Studies: 4 credits | Arts: 1/2 credit |
| Electives: 4 credits | Health: 1/2 credit |
Other requirements: (a) 40 hours of community service; (b) Completing a senior project and presenting it in the school project fair; (c) MCAS scores of 220 or above on English and Math given in 10th grade.