Academics
Academic Expectations
Grading Scale
A = Outstanding work, 4 grade points
B = Above average work, 3 grade points
C = Average work, 2 grade points
D = Below average, barely passing, 1 grade point
F = Failure, NO CREDIT, 0 grade points
I = Incomplete. This grade is given as a result of extended illness or extenuating circumstances. An incomplete grade must be made up within six weeks of the following semester. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher for make-up work.
CR = Credit, not included in GPA
NC = NO Credit, not included in GPA
NM = NO Credit, not included in GPA
Honors/Advanced Placement (AP) Extra Grade Points
Honors/AP classes that are accepted by CSU and UC for honors credits receive an extra grade point for C and above grades.
A = 5 grade points
B = 4 grade points
C = 3 grade points
Grade Point Average (GPA)
In the Cumulative GPA ALL grades are averaged:
Unweighted – No extra grade points are given for Honors / AP classes.
Weighted – Extra grade points given for all Honors / AP classes.
CSU/UC – Extra grade points given only for designated Honors / AP classes approved by CSU/UC.
GPA
Weighted GPA is often used by high schools to better represent students’ academic accomplishments. Weighted GPA takes into account course difficulty rather than providing the same letter grade to GPA conversion for every student. Usually, weighted GPA is measured on a scale of 0 to 5.0, although some scales go higher. An A in an AP class may translate into a 5.0 weighted GPA, while an A in a regular-level class will give you a 4.0 weighted GPA. Many schools also have mid-level classes (such as honors classes) where the highest weighted GPA you can earn is a 4.5. Academic Weighted GPA only calculates academic classes, not electives. Use the GPA Calculator to determine your student’s GPA. Remember to score Academic classes only, electives do not count for an Academic Weighted GPA.
Academic Block P Awards Program
This is a program that was implemented to honor students who maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher for a full semester. The program is designed to both recognize outstanding academic achievement and encourage increased academic excellence among all students. A ceremony is held during the spring semester to recognize this achievement
What is AVID?
AVID is a college readiness program designed to help students develop the skills they need to be successful in
college. The program places special emphasis on growing writing, critical thinking, teamwork, organization and
reading skills. AVID at PHS is a college prep “G” elective within the school day every year of high school.
An Average week in AVID Class consists of:
- Tutorials: Small groups who work with peers and / or AVID tutors to help them better understand their
academic curriculum.
- AVID Curriculum: Strategies for writing, inquiry, collaboration, and reading.
- Socratic Seminars: Student led discussions similar to what goes on in many colleges with a goal of better
understanding a topic through listening and speaking strategies.
- Team building Exercises: Helps students learn to collaborate with each other.
- Guest Speakers: Teaches students about potential careers, college, study habits, life plans and college
preparation.
How do I join AVID?
1. Apply
2. Attend Parent/Student Information Night
3. Student Interview
Questions: Please contact Benji Lozano at blozano@patterson.k12.ca.us
Career Technical Education (CTE) Programs
Repeating a Class and Credit Recovery
Students who need to recover credits have multiple opportunities to complete coursework through Summer School, Online Credit Recovery, and Adult School. Repeating a course during the regular day of the traditional school year is considered a last option to remediate credit deficiencies and only if there is sufficient room. In addition, students may want to repeat a class in order to raise their grade. The new grade DOES NOT REPLACE THE ORIGINAL GRADE. The new grade will simply be included on the transcript. If the student failed the first time he/she took the class, then credit will be granted for the repeat class if passed.
Credit recovery is only available to Juniors and Seniors. If you require credit recovery to graduate, your counselor will contact you.