Graduation requirements

Promotion is the process by which teachers determine if students are ready for and have demonstrated proficiency in the content and skills to be successful in the next grade level. The NYCDOE’s student promotion policy, defined in Chancellor’s Regulation A-501, ensures that students have the supports they need to build a strong foundation in math and literacy before entering the next grade level.In accordance with A-501, schools establish promotion benchmarks, or academic standards, which students must meet in order to advance to the next grade level at the end of the school year. Throughout the year, teachers and principals regularly review students’ academic performance and identify students who, even with additional support and interventions, may be at risk of not meeting the promotion benchmarks for their grade level. Each student’s academic progress is assessed holistically, using multiple measures, such as NYSED test scores, course grades, writing samples, projects, assignments, and other performance-based student work. While NYSED test scores may be considered, they may not be the determining factor in assessing a student’s readiness for the next grade. At the beginning of the school year, our school defined the promotion benchmarks students must meet in order to be ready for the next grade level and establish the multiple measures they will use to assess students’ progress toward the promotion benchmarks at each grade level.
  • In the fall, schools hold parent-teacher conferences and send report cards home to provide early notice to families of how students are progressing  
  • In January and February, schools designate students who may be at risk of not meeting promotion benchmarks for their grade level and send written notice (via promotion in doubt letters) to their families.
  • In the spring, schools hold parent-teacher conferences and send home report cards to keep families and students aware of their progress and anticipated promotion decision.
  • In June, schools make promotion decisions, which they communicate in writing to families.
  • In July, students who were not promoted attend summer school. Middle School Academic Policy Guide Updated September 27, 2022 20In August,  schools make final promotional decisions for students in grades 3–8 who were not promoted in June. Families receive written notice of the final promotion decision. Families may appeal these decisions, in writing, and the superintendent makes the final determination.
Please note that students must meet promotion benchmarks set here to participate in the school’s moving-up ceremony.