STUDENT EVALUATION AND RECORDS

Academic Performance

At ASA, a student's academic performance evaluation in regular classes is done by using number or letter grades that are based on the following standards:

A course that has been pre-approved by the Secondary Principal may be taken on a Pass/Fail basis. In those cases, a student must score at a C- (70%) or above to receive the grade of “Pass”. Students performing below a C- (70%) who are enrolled in a course on a Pass/Fail basis will receive an “F” as the grade.

Conduct Performance

At ASA, students are graded on their conduct using the following scale. Conduct is used to determine eligibility for participation in Honor Rolls, sports tournaments, and permanence in school.

Reports to the Ministry of Education

Grade reports are prepared by ASA according to the nationally recognized system for those students who desire recognition in the Paraguayan Ministry of Education (MEC). These grade reports are sent annually to the central MEC offices in downtown Asunción.

The relation between ASA's grading system and MEC's grading system is as follows:

ASA to MEC

A = 5 Excellent

B = 4 Good

C = 3 Average

D = 2 Below Average

F = 1 Failing

Course Credits

In order to determine the value of a grade, every course is assigned a certain number of credits. A full credit course is a course that meets for an entire year for a least five 45-minute periods. All other courses are given credits based on this standard. Therefore, a course that meets for one semester, 5 times a week, is worth .5 credits. Consequently, a course meeting 4 times a week is worth .4 credits, etc.

Calculation of the Grade Point Average (G.P.A.)

To compute a student’s GPA for academic and extra-curricular eligibility purposes, the schools adds up the numerical points for all grades and divides this sum by the number of credits the student is taking. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA to be considered in good standing, or they will be placed on academic probation. Students who demonstrate poor academic performance (grades of “D” or below) may also be placed on academic probation. Those students unable to achieve the required GPA after a probationary period may not be able to remain at ASA. See section entitled "Academic Probation" for details.

Academic Program Offerings and Requirements

Certain courses in the areas of Social Sciences and Social Studies in Spanish (Estudios Sociales) may be substituted with other courses. This substitution depends upon elective course offerings and scheduling feasibility. Advanced math classes will also be offered to those high school students who have demonstrated accelerated performance in this area.

All high school students who receive failing grades in one or more of their subjects are responsible for making up the lost credit. Delete. Lost credits can be made up through prior approved correspondence courses or summer school courses offered in the United States. These classes will require a special fee. Make-up exams based on summer study can also be used in some cases. Students may use other strategies to make up credit, but these must have prior approval of the administration.

In order to receive the Paraguayan high school certificate (“Bachillerato Humanistico”), students must take and pass all of the courses required at ASA. Students and parents are advised to direct inquiries to the appropriate ASA office about their matriculation with the local Ministry of Education as well as their progress towards obtaining this Paraguayan certificate. Parents are responsible for providing the documentation necessary for their sons and daughters to achieve and maintain status in this program.

Outside Tutoring and Educational Programs

The school encourages students to be enrolled in any supplemental academic and extracurricular activities that are available to them and meet their objectives for a complete secondary education. Many students take additional classes in their native language (French, Chinese, Portuguese, etc.) in order to maintain their mother tongue. Others choose to join clubs that offer sports not offered at our school (e.g. rugby or swimming). Care should be taken to not overextend a student's capacity for learning by involving him or her in too many activities outside our rigorous academic program.

There are times when some students will find the need to receive tutoring. Students who are getting tutoring on a regular basis need to advise the Guidance Office in writing. Forms are available for this purpose. The guidance office maintains a list of available registered tutors for students looking this kind of academic help.

Graduation Requirements

All students must have a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 to enroll for their senior year of high school. This minimum standard must also be maintained throughout the duration of the senior year in order to be eligible for graduation.

Note: International students who arrive at ASA in the middle of a high school program which had been initiated at an institution with different graduation requirements may solicit a review of course work and an individual graduation plan. This graduation plan will require the fulfillment of all normal ASA requirements while at ASA.