Registration and Grading

The Upper School maintains the following letter grade system:

Given the students accepted at MPA, it should be noted that a "C" grade is satisfactory and the requirements of the class have been met. A "D" grade may mean the student would not be able to use the class as a prerequisite.

Pass/No Credit Grading

A grade of "P" indicates success at the level of C- or above as determined by the teacher. No credit is given for performance below a C-. Neither a grade of "Pass" or "No Credit" is figured into a student's GPA. Pass/No Credit grading is considered on an individual basis only. Generally, students are discouraged from taking courses Pass/No Credit. However, under the following circumstances approval may be granted:

1. Independent studies such as word processing or computer programming.
2. Special circumstances including chronic illness, physical handicap, prolonged absence due to family circumstances, etc.
3. Students wishing to broaden their educational background without the penalty of potentially lower grades or GPA.

In order for students to take a course Pass/No Credit, they must apply for permission no later than two weeks into the course; under special circumstances, administrative discretion may apply. The Upper School Director and/or Assistant Upper School Director along with the department offering the course and the instructor teaching it must grant permission. The instructor will prepare a contract describing course requirements and due dates. This will be kept on file in the Upper School office. Requests for Pass/No Credit are granted only when the course in question is not a departmental graduation requirement.

Cumulative Grade Point Average

The cumulative GPA is based on semester grades only for all courses taken and is weighted by credit. It is calculated after each semester and is recorded on the transcript at the end of the second semester for that school year. The cumulative grade point average only includes grades for classes taken at MPA.

In order to add or drop a class, you will need to obtain a drop/add form from the Upper School Office and fill it out completely. Be sure to include the following information in the spaces provided:

• Your name, current grade and the date.
• The course(s) you are wishing to add and drop.
• The reason(s) you need this change in your schedule.

Please note that add/drop approval will not be granted for frivolous reasons (e.g. wishing to be in a class with a friend).

After you have filled out all the information, take the form to each teacher that is affected by the change (both those whose classes you are dropping and those whose classes you are adding) and request a signature. No add/drop approval will be granted without all the necessary teachers' signatures.

Then turn the completed form in to the Upper School Office.

Due Date: All add/drop forms must be turned in to the Upper School Office by Friday afternoon at 3:30 the first week of classes.