Academics - Secondary - Promotion

Middle School students are promoted to the next grade at the end of the school year, provided that they have passed their classes during the academic year. Students who fail one subject are passed to the next grade on academic probation for the first semester. However, if the subject failed is one that is foundational to the next year, such as math, the student must take summer school or receive tutoring during the summer. A retake of a summary test may be required. Those who fail two or more subjects are required to either repeat the grade, make up the subjects during summer school, or withdraw from the school.

In certain cases, particularly among our younger children,  we may recommend that a child repeat a grade, even though he or she may be passing. Usually this is because the child needs to mature before going on to the next grade.

In no circumstances would we recommend retention without first holding a conference or communicating is some other way with the parents.The Principal may seek the professional recommendation of a school psychologist as a third party.

In the High School, it is recommended that students pass all Regents examinations before he or she will be permitted to take the next course in the high school sequence, even if the student passed the course. Any student who does not pass a Regents examination will be required to retake and pass the exam during August, through their local school district. For courses that are not in the advanced track, a second failure will have implications for the student's return to LCS. The Secondary Principal, in consultation with the Director of Guidance, parents, and the student, may make exceptions to this requirement.

While it is our hope that all students will pass every course, the following are the consequences of failure:

1. The student and his or her parents will be responsible to arrange for a summer school program for any non-Regents or Regents course failed, even if the student passed the Regents exam. (Parents are encouraged not to wait until the last minute to investigate alternatives.) The Principal must approve the program prior to enrollment and an official report of successful completion must be received before beginning the subsequent school year.

2. In the case of courses not offered in summer school programs (physical education, Bible, etc.), the student and parents must make arrangements with the Principal, in coordination with the teacher, for individualized summer work in lieu of a summer school course. Fees may apply to compensate the teacher for their time.

3. Failure of more than two courses for the school year will result in loss of enrollment for the subsequent year, unless a formal request for an exception, based on extenuating circumstances, is made and approved. In no case will a student be enrolled who has not made up a failed high school course prior to the beginning of the school year.