Grading Policy

How Courses Are Graded

Lyons is a Competency-Based Learning school. This means:

• Grades reflect what students know and can do—not just what they complete.

• Feedback is focused on growth, not compliance.

• Students have multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery of key learning objectives.

Each assignment is tied to one or more learning objectives, and students are assessed on their level of competency. Over the semester, students build toward mastery through revision, reflection, and practice.

Grading Scale

Each time a learning objective is assessed, students receive one of the following marks:

• T (100) – Outstanding / Thorough

• G (85) – Good

• S (70) – Competent / Satisfactory

• R (55) – Needs Revision

• M (40) – Missing (can be made up)

• X (40) – Missing (permanent)

• E – Excused (no impact on grade)

Final grades are not averages. Instead, they reflect the student’s most recent and consistent level of understanding by the end of the semester.

Grading Categories

• Academic Competency (80%)
  Based on performance on assessments, projects, classwork, and other learning tasks.

• Work Habits (20%)
  Reflects consistency, engagement, and contributions to a positive learning environment. While not a direct measure of academic skill, strong work habits support long-term success.

 Late Work Policy

Students are encouraged to demonstrate competency, even if it takes time. However, time management is also a learning goal. Teachers may:

• Decline late submissions for small daily tasks

• Accept major assignments late with a penalty or offer alternative ways to demonstrate the same learning objectives

Extenuating Circumstances

• NX (Incomplete) – For documented emergencies (e.g., illness, family loss). Students have until the end of the next term to complete work.

• NL (Newly Admitted Late) – For students who enroll too late to be assessed. Work must be completed by the end of the next term.

Promotion & Graduation

Middle School
Students must pass all classes to be promoted. Summer school may be required for those who do not.

High School (per NYS policy)

• To 10th Grade: 10 credits

• To 11th Grade: 20 credits, including 4 in ELA and 4 in History

• To 12th Grade: 32 credits, plus PBATs in Science and/or Math

• Graduation: 44 credits and all PBATs completed

Summer School
Students may earn up to 2 credits. ELA Regents prep is available for those who did not pass or reach the college-ready benchmark (75).

Progress Reports & Report Cards

Students receive two official report cards per year—January and June—along with progress reports throughout the semester.