Downe Township School Board Adopts Competitive 10-Point Grading Scale to Empower Students

The Downe Township Board of Education has voted to adopt a 10-point grading scale for the 2024–2025 academic year, marking a significant step toward greater academic equity and opportunity for local students. The decision passed by a narrow 5–4 vote during the June 18th board meeting.

Under the new system, students will now earn an “A” for scores of 90% and above. This change replaces the previous, more rigid scale that required a 93% to achieve the same grade.

The updated grading scale brings Downe Township Elementary School in line with the standards used by many districts across the state and country. This move is expected to benefit students by making their academic records more competitive when applying to specialized high schools or advanced academic programs.

The adjustment is intended to reduce grading disparities between districts and better reflect student achievement. With many high schools considering GPA and letter grades as part of their admissions criteria, this change ensures Downe students are evaluated on a more equitable scale.

The 10-point scale will take effect at the beginning of the 2024–2025 school year. The district plans to provide updated guidance for students and families to ensure a smooth transition.

This policy shift reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to student success and to creating pathways that support higher learning and long-term academic goals.

Location: Downe, NJ, USA

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