ACADEMIC AND GRADUATION GUIDELINES

PROMOTION FROM GRADE TO GRADE

A student will be classified as a tenth grader if he has earned a total of 6 credits as a ninth grader, with an overall average of 70% or better. If he has failed one of the required courses, he will be called a tenth grader with a deficiency.

A student will be classified as an eleventh grader if he has accumulated a total of 12 student credits with an overall average of 70% or better. If he has not passed one of the required ninth, tenth, or eleventh grade courses he will be called a twelfth grader with a deficiency. If he fails a required course he must repeat it before graduation.

All students must have a minimum of 26 credits and an overall average of at least 70% to graduate. One credit is given for the successful completion of a course. ( See course descriptions on page 36 ) Courses need to be taken in the following areas:

*Required Courses

English ……………………………….. 6 credits

* 9 th grade English
*10 th grade English
*11 th grade English
*12 th grade English
*Developmental Reading
*Speech

Mathematics ………………………………. 3 credits

*Algebra
*Geometry
*Intermediate Algebra

Foreign Language ……………………………….. 2 credits

*Spanish I / Spanish II
*French I / French II

Science ……………………………….. 3 credits

*Physical Science
*Biology
*Any other science course

Social Studies ………………………………... 3 credits

*Virgin Islands
*Caribbean History
*United Sates History

Computer Science ……………………………….. 1 credit

Physical Education ……………………………….. 3 credits

Pre-Vocational ……………………………… 1 credit

Electives ………………………………………… 4 credits

EXAMINATIONS

Comprehensive final examinations are given at the end of each semester. It is important for students be present for these exams. If circumstances are such that you cannot attend an exam, you must bring a written note to an administrator for a signature before a makeup exam will be administered. Again, the validity of any excuse is up to the discretion of the administrator and the teacher.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are issued four times a year, shortly after the end of each marking period (approximately nine weeks long). Parents will be asked to come to school to pick up your card and have an opportunity to meet your teachers.

ACADEMIC PROBATION

If students grade point average fall below a 65% he automatically go on academic “probation”. This status will not allow the student to participate in any extracurricular activities.

STUDY HALL

This is generally held in the cafeteria. You should report there when scheduled to do so. You must present I.D and roll will be taken. It is an opportunity for you to prepare for your classes and to study with other student. Use this time wisely.

TRANSCRIPTS

Transcripts of a student's record can be obtained from providing a Transcripts Request Form to the Registrar's Office. Transcripts are NOT released without the student's approval. Four (4) copies are $2 each. The main reasons for sending transcripts are college entrance, scholarships or financial aid requests, and prospective employment. Students are encouraged to apply long before deadlines.

PREPARING FOR GRADUATION AND COLLEGE

COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS

The ASVAB is administered by the Armed Services in coordination with the guidance department. Minimum scores are required for entrance to various programs of the service branches. Non-military students may elect to take the ASVAB in order to identify aptitudes.

The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) is an examination of interest to college-bound students. Sophomores and Juniors desiring to quality as a National Merit Scholar take this test as do students interested in the early Admissions program with the University if the Virgin Islands. Some sophomores find this test to be interest also. It is given only once a year, usually in October. The PSAT will give you a good projection of your SAT scores.

The Sat is a college entrance exam offered several times a year. It is composed of timed verbal and mathematical sections. The verbal section includes antonyms, analogies, sentence completion and questions based on reading passages. The mathematical section includes algebra, geometry, and reasoning. Registration materials for the SAT are available in the guidance office.

The ACT is a college entrance exam offered several times a year. This four-part test included timed sections on English, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. Registration materials for the ACT are available in the guidance office.

The SAT 2 is an achievement test in specific areas that the required by some highly selective institutions. Applications and further information on specific tests are available from individual counselors. College-bound students should check the college catalogs of the schools to which they will apply and plan to take the test appropriate for admission.

EARLY ADMISSION

This a joint program between the University of the Virgin Islands and various high schools. Students spend their senior year at U.V.I. and simultaneously satisfy high school graduation requirements will earn college credits

Candidates for this program are nominated for guidance counselors from the eleventh grade class. To be eligible for nomination, a student must (1) have attended tenth grade in the Virgin Islands, (2) have minimum combined SAT score of 950 with at least 450 in the mathematical section and 500 in the verbal section, and (3) have a minimum academic average of 3.0 for grades received in high school through the first semester of the eleventh grade.

After nomination, eligible students must pass a U.V.I. entrance exam and be interviewed by the Earl Admissions Committee.

If you are interested in becoming a nominee, see your guidance counselor. This is an exciting program for mature students.

FINANCIAL AID

Information concerning scholarships, grants, and loans is available through the Guidance Office. Current information is announced weekly in the guidance bulletin. A financial aid meeting in the fall offers help for students and parents. Students interested in obtaining financial aid are advised to complete paperwork by January. Financial aid information is often obtained from income tax records; it is advised that the students and his parents gather this information together for early filing.

EQUIPMENT

All students are required to come to class prepared for class work. In most classes this mean bringing pen, pencil, notebook, textbook, composition paper or any other equipment that is required. The vocational students are to bring certain tools and other equipment required by their specialty.

MAKING APPLICATION

Obtain a college catalog and an application. Some of these are available in the Guidance Office. If the application that you need is not available, you may obtain the addresses of all colleges from your counselor.

Take the completed application to your guidance counselor with the attached application fee, if this applies. Sign the card releasing your transcript and the standardize scores. Your counselor will look over the application with you. Then you mail it. It is advised that the college application be turned in several days before the college deadline to allow time for processing.

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