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 four times a year. At the end of our “interim” marking periods (twice a year), if a student is on academic warning or academic probation, he will receive a full set of academic reports or if a student is receiving a grade of C- or below in a course, she will receive a report from that specific class.

At the same time, we do 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 semester, the student receives a grade for the last marking period and a cumulative grade for the semester or year. This allows us to provide colleges with a record of academic achievement.

The College Office, however, has the prerogative of showing seniors and spring-term juniors their grades for college counseling purposes. Likewise, the Assistant Director or 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.

To receive credit for an academust attend a ic class a student minimum of 80% of the scheduled class meetings. Exceptions can be made by the Deans for students who require a leave of absence for an extended period.

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 an effort marks total of 12 or less in all marking periods.

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 are also recorded.Withdrawal or dismissal dates are noted on the transcript, if a student does not graduate from Putney, as are major suspensions lasting more than a week.

Second-semester 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 both the junior and the parent in the summer between junior and senior year. In the fall or early winter of the senior year, an official copy of the transcript (generally with first semester marking period or fall semester grades) is sent to colleges that students have applied to. Then, after graduation, a final transcript is sent to the college the student will be attending.

If a parent or student wants a transcript to be sent, other than what is listed above, a request in writing to the Registrar is necessary. E-mail to lmatteau@putneyschool.org, fax to 802/387- 2305, or mail to Registrar,The Putney School, Elm Lea Farm, 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 in the second semester of the junior year, to participate in exchange programs approved by the Educational Program Committee. Normally, only three or four students will be permitted this leave, and mainly in the second semester of the junior year. 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. The application deadline is Monday, January 22, 2007.