Desert Sands Unified Grading Policy

Desert Sands Unified Grade Scale

Desert Sands Unified School District uses a standard letter grading system for evaluating student performance. The grade scale is as follows:

Letter GradePercentage RangeGrade Point Average (GPA)
A90-100%4.0
B80-89%3.0
C70-79%2.0
D60-69%1.0
F0-59%0.0

Example

To illustrate how final grades are calculated, let’s consider a student who received the following percentages in their classes:

SubjectPercentage GradeLetter GradeGPA
Mathematics92%A4.0
English85%B3.0
Science78%C2.0
History88%B3.0
Physical Ed.95%A4.0

Final GPA Calculation:

Final GPA = (4.0 + 3.0 + 2.0 + 3.0 + 4.0) / 5 = 3.2

Final GPA: 3.2

Grading Policy

  • Promotion: Students must meet the minimum grade requirements in core subjects to be promoted to the next grade level.
  • Retention: Students who do not meet the required academic standards may be retained and given additional support.
  • Acceleration: Students demonstrating advanced proficiency may be considered for acceleration to a higher grade level.
  • Middle School Policies: Emphasis on consistent grading practices across subjects.
  • High School Policies: GPA calculation includes weighted grades for Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors courses.

FAQs

What is the minimum passing grade in Desert Sands Unified?

    • The minimum passing grade is a D (60%).

    How are grades weighted for AP and Honors courses?

      • AP and Honors courses have an additional weight, where an A in these courses equates to a 5.0 instead of a 4.0.

      Can students retake courses for a better grade?

        • Yes, students can retake courses to improve their grades, and the higher grade will be used in GPA calculation.

        What happens if a student fails a class?

          • If a student fails a class, they may need to retake the course or attend summer school to make up for the credit.

          Where can I find more information about grading policies?

            • For more detailed information, visit the Desert Sands Unified website.

            Now that you understand Desert Sands Unified’s grading policy, calculate your final grade with our easy-to-use grade calculator or final grade calculator!