Middle School Progress Reports & Grading
NVUSD middle schools operate on a trimester schedule, providing families with three formal reporting periods throughout the school year. Unlike the standards-based numerical scale used in elementary school, middle school students transition to a traditional letter grade system (A–F) and a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) scale.
Grading Cycle and Reporting
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Trimesters: The academic year is divided into three terms. Report cards are issued at the conclusion of each trimester (typically in November, March, and June).
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Progress Reports: To ensure students stay on track, mid-trimester progress reports are issued approximately six weeks into each term. These reports provide a "snapshot" of current performance, allowing students and families to address any academic concerns before final trimester grades are recorded.
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Real-Time Monitoring: Families and students are encouraged to monitor grades, attendance, and assignment completion in real-time through the Aeries Parent Portal.
Grading Scale
Most middle school courses utilize a standard grading scale to calculate a student's GPA:
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A (90–100%): 4.0 points – Outstanding Achievement
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B (80–89%): 3.0 points – Above Average Achievement
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C (70–79%): 2.0 points – Average Achievement
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D (60–69%): 1.0 point – Below Average Achievement
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F (0–59%): 0.0 points – Little to No Achievement (No credit earned)
Academic Eligibility
Maintaining a positive academic standing is essential for participation in many middle school programs:
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Extracurriculars and Athletics: Students must generally maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and have no "F" grades on their most recent report card or progress report to remain eligible for sports and certain clubs.
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Leadership and Teaching Assistants: Selective electives, such as student leadership or being a Teaching Assistant (TA), often require a higher GPA (typically 2.5 or above).
Indicators of Student Success (ISS)
While letter grades represent overall academic achievement, teachers may also provide feedback on "Indicators of Student Success" (ISS). These markers reflect a student’s work habits, citizenship, and classroom engagement—separating academic mastery from behaviors like effort and organization.
- 02 - Middle Schools