At Paul Cuffee Middle School, our grading system is designed to clearly communicate what students know and can do in relation to grade-level skills and standards. Students are evaluated using a 1–4 mastery scale:
- 4 – Exceeds Expectations: Demonstrates advanced understanding and can apply learning in new ways.
- 3 – Meets Expectations: Consistently demonstrates grade-level skills and knowledge.
- 2 – Partially Meets Expectations: Demonstrates developing understanding and needs additional practice or support.
- 1 – Does Not Yet Meet Expectations: Is beginning to demonstrate the skill and needs continued support.
Grades emphasize academic skill mastery while also recognizing the habits that help students succeed as learners and members of our community. Students have opportunities to receive additional support and retake assessments to demonstrate increased mastery.
Families can monitor their child’s academic progress throughout the year through Skyward, where grades are regularly updated.
Celebrating Student Achievement
At the end of each trimester, we celebrate students for their accomplishments and growth. Students may be recognized for Honor Roll, Head of School List, Perfect Attendance, and Honors in individual courses. We also recognize Most Improved students later in the school year.
These recognitions celebrate not only academic achievement, but also the habits, effort, and positive community membership that contribute to student success.