Academic Program

Requirements for Graduation

College Preparatory Diploma

Honors College Preparatory Diploma

Math Track | Science Track | Fine Arts Track

Math Track

Honors College Preparatory Diploma

Science Track

Honors College Preparatory Diploma

Fine Arts Track

Honors College Prep Diploma

The appropriate courses must be successfully completed as outlined above to earn the Honors College Prep Diploma on the Math, Science, or Fine Arts tracks.

Promotion and Retention; Classification of Upper School Students

A student must achieve at or above grade level academically in order to be promoted to the next grade without probation. Results of standardized tests are considered carefully. The final decision regarding promotion or retention is made by the administration in consultation with the teacher(s) and parents.

Promotion from grade seven (7) to grade eight (8), or from grade eight (8) to grade nine (freshman classification), requires passing grades in both English language arts and mathematics, and in either social studies or science. Number of credits earned determines classification in grades nine (9) through 12. Sophomore status requires at least five (5) credits; junior status, eleven (11) credits; senior status, eighteen (18) credits.

Achievement and Competency Tests

During the second semester of each school year, all students in grades one (1) through eight (8) take the Stanford Achievement Test and a yearly rotation of the OLSAT School Ability Test.

Other Tests

Each student must have a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and/or an American College Testing (ACT) score on file in the Guidance Office before graduation.

Beginning in 2007-2008, the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) is given to ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students. For ninth and tenth graders, it serves as a practice test for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). For eleventh graders, it serves as a practice test for the SAT and as a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship program. The PLAN Test is preliminary for the American College Test (ACT) and is given to 9th and 10th graders. Fifth, eighth, and eleventh graders take the TCAP Writing test.

Academic Probation

Students who fail to achieve at a rate that would lead to graduation with their class, or whose academic progress is below grade requirements may be placed on academic probation. During the first semester of probation, faculty, guidance counselor, administration, and parents closely monitor the progress of probationary students. At the end of the semester, probation may be lifted or continued (with or without recommendation for tutoring or referral to other professionals), or the student may be dismissed.

Honors Classes

The numerical average for Honors courses is weighted by the addition of three (3) points to each grading period and to the exam where the grade is 75 or above.

Advanced Placement Courses

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered in English, US History, US Government, mathematics, and science. Advanced Placement bonus points (five (5) points added to grades making up the semester) may be awarded and the AP designation noted on transcripts only if the student scores 75 or above and takes the AP National Test. In general, a score of three (3) or more is required by colleges to receive AP credit.

College Credit Courses

Seniors may be offered the opportunity to take certain courses for dual credit: secondary and college credit through area universities. In such instances, additional tuition is required for college credit. Most such credits can be transferred to other institutions, but no guarantee of transferability is expressed or implied by Davidson Academy.

Grading and Reporting

Grade/progress reports are compiled every quarter.  Parents are encouraged to remain continually updated on student grades through RenWeb.

Grading Scale

Parents should share all concerns or suggestions regarding student's progress first with his or her teacher in a face-to-face conference scheduled at a mutually convenient time. If concerns are not successfully resolved, contact should be made with the head of Lower School or Upper School.

Ranking of Students

Davidson Academy does not rank students; Valedictorian and Salutatorian are recognized.

Determination of Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Valedictorian and Salutatorian designations shall be based on grades accumulated through the first seven (7) semesters of Upper School and will be awarded only to students in the Honors College Prep Diploma program. Valedictorian and Salutatorian must have completed at least two (2) semesters at Davidson Academy .

RenWeb

Davidson Academy has always been a leader in the application of technology for communication between home and school.  First it was the homework hotline, giving parents audio information recorded by teachers.  Then came PowerSchool, the first real-time, on-line access to grades, attendance, and other school information.  Now we are proud to announce the availability of RenWeb, giving students and parents a window into more information and resources than ever and strengthening the partnership between families and Davidson Academy.  When you click on the RenWeb icon from our home page
(www.davidsonacademy.com ) and log in with your unique password assigned by the system, here's what you can see and do:

• Announcements highlighting the important events of school life.
• Calendar showing all school events pertinent to your student(s) and family.  Just hover over the event to see details.
• Pictures of school events in a special gallery.
• Newsletter/Downloads lets you download your own copy of Bear Facts and other important documents.
• Lunch menus
• Course Requests - In the spring, Upper School students will request the courses they want to take for the next school year.
• Web Forms - customized forms and surveys for students and parents.
• Web Payment (coming soon) will redirect you to a secure site for on-line payment of tuition and fees.
• Accounting will show charges, payments, and balance of your school account.
• Attendance, Classrooms, Discipline, Report Card, and Student Schedules links feature student-specific information for each student in your family.
• Family Demographics allows you to review and update all information on your children, other family members, emergency contacts, and yourself.  We ask that every family visit this area and correct any erroneous information as soon as possible.  When you update your information, the school will be notified by email.
• Family Directory provides access to contact information on other school families, if they have authorized.  This information is to be used for school purposes only, never for commercial gain.
• School Information includes a complete faculty and staff directory with phone numbers and email links.
• Parent Service Hours lets you record your volunteer service to Davidson Academy.

RenWeb is a secure internet site protected by 128-bit encryption.  When you log in, using the district code "DA-TN," with your email address for the first time as a parent or student, your unique password will be sent to your email address immediately.  ( Note: Your email must already be entered into the RenWeb database by the school before you can receive your password.  If you have any doubt whether we have your correct email address in our system, please send a message to dwinn@davidsonacademy.com ).

The purpose of the RenWeb system is to enhance communication between school and home. It is not intended to replace the all-important face-to-face dialogue that should go on between teachers and parents, but it can help parents and students to monitor progress closely and get the most out of your Davidson Academy experience.

Semester Grade Adjusting Policy

Students in grades 9 through 12 who have a semester average of 65-69 in a course for the first semester will have an opportunity to have that grade adjusted to passing (70) if the following conditions are met:

• Student must have an average of 75 for the two nine-week grading periods in the second semester class of the same subject taught by the same teacher.
• Student must pass the second semester exam.
• Student must demonstrate a willingness to spend extra time with the teacher for the purpose of monitoring academic progress and to ensure academic success.

Policy for Make-Up Credit

Students are limited to two (2) make-up credits for classes failed at Davidson Academy. Make-up credits earned for graduation must be approved in advance by the guidance department and administration.

Policy on Summer School/Night School Credits

Summer school/night school credits in required courses will be accepted only for courses that a student has failed at Davidson Academy. No more than one such make-up credit may be earned by a student during one calendar year. Before a student may attend night school during the school year, he or she must secure written permission from the administration of Davidson Academy. Any required subject failed must be made up before the conclusion of the following school year.

Students entering the tenth grade with fewer than six (6) credits must enroll in seven (7) subjects. Students entering the eleventh grade with fewer than twelve (12) credits must enroll in seven (7) subjects. Students entering the twelfth grade must have 18 credits, unless they have received special permission from the administration.

Examination Exemption Policy

Exemption status for mid-term examinations will be extended to seniors with an "A" average who meet the following criteria:

• 93-100 average for the semester with no more than four (4) absences, all of which have been excused, and no more than five (5) tardies to class.

Exemption status for final examinations will be extended to all students in grades seven (7) through 12 with an "A" average who meet the following criteria:

• 93-100 average for the semester with no more than four (4) absences, all of which have been excused, and no more than five (5) tardies to class.

In addition, all seniors with a "B" average will be exempt if the following criteria are met:

• 85-92 average for the semester with no more than two (2) absences, all of which have been excused, and no more than five (5) tardies to class.

Absences due to participation in faculty-sponsored and approved school-related activities are not considered as class absences.

Exempted students have the option to take examinations to try to improve their semester grade, or parents may request that students take their exams as a learning or enrichment experience.  Individual teachers will notify students of their exemption status on the last day of regular classes.

Students accumulating more than 14 demerits during the semester will lose their exempt status in all classes.