Grades

We believe that students should learn to work for the love of knowledge, the excitement of discovery, and the joy of using their minds effectively. Therefore, teachers do not show grades to parents or students. Students are evaluated through regular discussions between themselves and teachers, through written comments on assignments, and all students and their parents receive a full set of detailed written reports six times a year. The academic dean and class deans will evaluate students' academic standing at the end of each marking period. At that time, the deans will determine whether a student should be moved onto Academic Warning or Academic Probation based on their grades and effort marks.

We also record grades six times a year at each marking period. These grades are noncumulative and reflect work done in that marking period. At the end of each trimester, the student receives a grade for the last marking period and a cumulative grade for the trimester. Also a final course grade is recorded. This allows us to provide colleges with a record of academic achievement.

The college office shows the transcript including grades to juniors during the winter trimester. At that point, seniors and juniors will have an option to view their grades. Likewise, the academic dean may decide to discuss grades with parents or students if that is necessary to help a particular student understand his or her academic standing at the school. Written evaluations are specific and intended to indicate to the student his or her level of achievement.

Of the five core values of The Putney School, participation is perhaps most essential to the success of our daily endeavors. All of our programs—from classes to assemblies, evening activities to Sing, and sports to work—are designed to be most enjoyable and most effective with everyone present. Attendance at Putney, as in life, is mandatory. We assume that students will make every effort to fulfill their commitment to participate fully and respectfully and will communicate in advance if they are unable to do so. Students unwilling to embrace the value of participation and who fail to meet their commitments as a result, will find their membership in the community in question.v

Effort Marks

In addition to letter grades, students receive effort marks for their work during each marking period. Effort marks range from 1 = excellent to 4 = unacceptable. Effort marks are important in determining the Senior Independent List (see the Student and Parent Handbook) and in identifying students about whom a teacher has some concern. Students in good standing are expected to maintain consistent effort

Transcripts

The Putney transcript records course grades for both semesters as well as the final grade for each year for each student. The student's record of participation in the non-academic programs of the school is also recorded. If a student does not graduate from Putney, a withdrawal or dismissal is noted on the transcript. Major suspensions lasting more than a week also are noted.

During the winter trimester, juniors receive an unofficial copy of their transcript as part of the college planning course. An unofficial copy of the final junior transcript is sent to the junior and the parent in the summer between junior and senior year. In the fall or early winter of the senior year, students must request that an official copy of the transcript (generally with first semester marking period or fall semester grades) be sent to colleges to which he/she has applied. Then, after the student notifies the college office of his/her college enrollment choice, the final transcript is sent in June.

As with the college process, if a parent or student wants a transcript sent, a request in writing is necessary. E-mail to lmatteau@putneyschool.org, fax to 802-387-2305, or mail to:
Registrar
The Putney School
418 Houghton Brook Rd.
Putney, VT 05346-8675

If all tuition payments are current, an official transcript may be sent directly to an institution of learning or employment. An unpaid tuition balance will result in the school's withholding a student's transcript until satisfactory arrangements are made with the Business Office.

Leaves of Absence for Educational Purposes

Students who qualify by virtue of good citizenship and good academic standing may apply for an educational leave of absence, to participate in exchange programs approved by the Educational Program Committee. Normally, only two students will be permitted this leave. Interested students should see the Academic Dean for a copy of the guidelines for applying. Parents or guardians are advised to contact the business office to discuss financial implications of terms away from Putney. Given the expense of most of these programs we are unable to provide any financial aid awards to families who may opt to pursue spending a semester away from the school.

Fortunately, some semester programs do provide financial aid to participants. We strongly encourage families to contact the school prior to beginning the admissions process to an academic program that may take a student away from the school.

Please contact Lois Barber at 802-387-6243 if you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy.