Boston Public Schools Grading Policy

Boston Public Schools Grade Scale

Boston Public Schools (BPS) use a standardized grading scale to ensure consistency and fairness in assessing student performance. The grading scales are defined as follows:

Elementary School (K-5)

  • E: Exceeds Expectations
  • M: Meets Expectations
  • P: Partially Meets Expectations
  • NM: Does Not Meet Expectations

Middle and High School (6-12)

  • A: 90-100
  • B: 80-89
  • C: 70-79
  • D: 60-69
  • F: Below 60

Weighted GPA Scale for High School Honors and AP Courses

  • A: 5.0
  • B: 4.0
  • C: 3.0
  • D: 2.0
  • F: 0.0

Example of Final Grade Calculation

Let’s calculate a high school student’s final grade using the BPS grading scale:

CourseGrade (%)WeightWeighted Grade
Math951.095
English851.085
History751.075
Science881.088
Physical Ed920.546
Art780.539
Total428

Final Grade: 428 / 5 = 85.6

Grading Policy

  • Elementary School: Focuses on developmental progress with standards-based report cards.
  • Middle School: Uses letter grades with additional emphasis on progress reports.
  • High School: Involves quarterly report cards and GPA calculations.
  • Incomplete Grades: Must be resolved within the following term.
  • Attendance Impact: Excessive absences can affect grades.

FAQs

  1. How are grades calculated in Boston Public Schools?
    Grades are calculated based on a combination of assignments, tests, participation, and attendance. Each component has a specific weight towards the final grade.
  2. What is the policy for incomplete grades?
    Incomplete grades must be resolved within the following term. Students are given additional time to complete coursework under teacher supervision.
  3. How does attendance affect my grade?
    Excessive absences can negatively impact your grade. It’s essential to maintain regular attendance to avoid penalties.
  4. Are there weighted grades for advanced courses?
    Yes, honors and AP courses have a weighted GPA scale, with an A in these courses equivalent to a 5.0.
  5. What grading scale is used for elementary students?
    Elementary students are assessed using a standards-based grading system: E (Exceeds), M (Meets), P (Partially Meets), and NM (Does Not Meet).

For more detailed information, visit the Boston Public Schools website.

Now that you understand the Boston Public Schools’ grading policy, calculate your final grade with our easy-to-use grade calculator or final grade calculator!