Academic Policies

PROMOTION

High School Students are promoted based on the number of credits earned. Credit is not awarded for courses in which

a student earns an F or fails to complete the required attendance (60 hours per semester or 120 hours per 1 credit

course). Students may repeat a course in which they have earned an F. If the student passes the course on the second

attempt, they will receive that grade, but the previous failed course will remain on the transcript. Credit is granted for

courses in which the student completes the attendance requirement and earns an A, B, C or D. Students earning a D

may repeat courses for a higher grade if they choose to do so. If this occurs, credit will only be granted once for that

class and the other course will receive credit as an elective class. Grade-level classification is based on the number of

credits earned and is reviewed at the end of each semester.

GRADE LEVEL CLASSIFICATIONS

Students are placed in a graduation cohort year when they begin 9th grade for the first time. A student’s cohort year is

based on their expected year of graduation, which is calculated as the spring of their fourth year in high school. For

example, a student who begins in 9th grade for the first time in 2019-2020 school year, will be assigned to the 2022

cohort. A student’s cohort year does not and cannot change, regardless of grade-level classification earned.

HONORS COURSES

Honors courses demand a high level of independence and self-discipline. Students synthesize and evaluate

information and concepts from multiple sources and read texts typically assigned in college-level courses. Students

also demonstrate college-level writing in essays that require analysis of primary and secondary sources, responsible

use of evidence, and comprehensive citation of sources. Successful completion of prerequisites, teacher/school

counselor recommendation, and a strong interest in the subject are recommended for enrollment in an Honors

course.

END-OF-COURSE TESTING AND CREDIT RECOVERY OPTION

In courses requiring state end-of-course testing (Algebra 1, English 2, Biology, and American History), the school will

apply the mandatory 20 percent weighting of the end-of-course test to the student’s final grade. The student will be

allowed to take the examination only once, at the end of the regular course duration and not at the end of an

36

extended period granted through the credit recovery option. The school will treat students who repeat the course as

though they were taking the course for the first time and all requirements will apply.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)

South Carolina Uniform Grading Policy and System for figuring GPA and class rank will apply to all courses carrying

Carnegie units, including units earned at the middle/junior high school level.

South Carolina Uniform Grading Policy: -https://ed.sc.gov/districts-schools/state-accountability/uniform-grading-policy/

As applicable, the school will recalculate GPAs already earned by students based on the three-decimal-point scale

(following the South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale Conversations – see conversation chart).

Grade point averages will be figured uniformly using the following formula. The formula will yield each student’s GPA

which can then be ranked from highest to lowest rank in class. Computations will not be rounded to a higher number.

All diploma candidates are included in the ranking.

GPR = sum (quality points x units)

sum of units attempted

CLASS RANKINGS

Class ranks are based on the South Carolina Uniform Grading Policy. Per this policy, class ranks will be

determined for all academic classes at the end of the academic year and shown on the official transcript for

all students. The entire class will be included when calculating class ranks for the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th

grades. Class rank is based on the South Carolina Uniform Grading Policy.

South Carolina Uniform Grading Policy:https://ed.sc.gov/districts-schools/state-accountability/uniformgrading-

policy/

Senior Class rankings will be determined based on the grade point ratios ("GPRs") of students in grade

twelve at the conclusion of their senior year:

 To determine honor graduates and select a valedictorian and salutatorian.

The high school will determine the manner of recognition of honors graduates, i.e., honor cords,

special recognition in the graduation program/ceremony, etc.;

 To provide information students need for applications for admission to post-secondary programs;

and

 To provide information students need for scholarships and other awards.

However, class rank for LIFE Scholarships is determined at the conclusion of the spring

semester of the senior year.

UNIFORM GRADING SCALE

CASC will implement the statewide Uniform Grading Policy. This Scale will be effective for all students who

receive Carnegie units. The statewide Uniform Grading Scale is used in the computation of the grade point

average.

South Carolina Uniform Grading Policy: https://ed.sc.gov/districts-schools/stateaccountability/

uniform-grading-policy/

STATE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

This is a guide to help you know what the requirements are to graduate from high school in South Carolina as well as

some guidelines for entrance into a four-year college. This information comes from the State Department of Education

website: https://ed.sc.gov/agency/programs-services/124/

Students must earn a total of 24 prescribed units or credits. The table below is the minimum number of credits students

must take. The unit requirements are distributed as follows:

 English   4 Credits

 Math  4 Credits

 Science- Biology  3 Credits

 US History  1 Credit

 Economics  ½ Credit

 American Government  ½ Credit

 Other Social Studies  1 Credit

 World Language OR CATE   1 Credit

 PE or ROTC  1 Credit

 Computer Science  1 Credit

Personal Finance .5 Credit

 Electives  6.5 Credits

 Total  24 Credits

Students at CASC can earn at least 6 credits per year, to total a minimum of 24 credits at the end of their senior year.