Upper School

WHAT IS A GPA?(and why does it matter?)

A GPA, or Grade Point Average, is a number that shows how well a student is doing in school. Think of it like a score or a report card summary. Each time you get a grade in a class, like an A, B, or C, that grade is turned into a number:

A = 4 points

B = 3 points

C = 2 points

D = 1 point

F = 0 points

At the end of the year, all those numbers are added up and divided by how many classes you took. That’s your GPA!

Your GPA shows how hard you’ve worked and how well you’ve done in your classes.

It’s important because:

1. Colleges look at it – If you want to go to college after high school, they’ll

check your GPA to see if you’re a good student.

2. It helps you get scholarships – That means free money to help pay for

college!

3. It shows you care about learning – A good GPA tells others (like teachers,

parents, and even future jobs) that you take school seriously.

So think of your GPA like your school “scorecard.” The better your grades, the

higher your GPA — and the more opportunities you’ll have in the future!

GRADE PROMOTION AND CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

To advance from one high school grade to the next, students must earn the following credits:

9 → 10  grade: 5 credits

10 → 11  grade: 11 credits (i.e., a total of 11 by end of 10th)

11 → 12  grade: 17.5 credits (i.e., a total of 17.5 by end of 11th)

12 → GRADUATION: 23.5 credits (i.e., a total of 23.5 TO QUALIFY FOR GRADUATION)

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Graduation Requirements (Total Credits & Coursework)

Total Credits Required: 23.5 credits

Credits must be earned across key subject areas, as follows:

Subject Area Required Credits

English 4.0

Mathematics 3.0

Science 3.0

Social Studies 3.0

African American History 1.0

World Language 2.0

Arts & Humanities 2.0

Physical Education 1.0

Health 0.5

Electives 4.0

(One of the elective credits must be a college-preparatory Math or Science course, an or a terminal Career & Technical Education (CTE) course)

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Additional Requirements for Graduation

Graduation is not only based on credits earned. Students must also:

1. Successfully complete a Multidisciplinary Project or a Service Learning Project.

2. Meet one of the five Pennsylvania Department of Education “Pathways to

Graduation”, as required by Act 158. These pathways include:

o Keystone Proficiency

o Keystone Composite

o CTE Concentrator

o Alternative Assessment

o EvidenceBased Pathway

For students enrolled in Dual Enrollment or CTE Programs, there are additional expectations — such as satisfactory completion of the program or dual-enrollment courses and earning the associated credits.

HOW TO SUCCEED AT SLA BEEBER

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Stay Organized: Use planners, calendars, or apps to track assignments, tests, and deadlines.

Develop Strong Study Habits: Study a little each day instead of cramming. Use active methods (flashcards, summarizing, teaching others).

Ask for Help Early: Don’t wait until you’re failing—talk to teachers, tutors, or peers when you're confused.

Use Office Hours: Meet with teachers outside of class to review material and clarify questions.

Challenge Yourself Wisely: Take honors or AP/IB courses, but know your limits and maintain balance.

TIME MANAGEMENT

Prioritize Tasks: Identify what’s most important or urgent and do that first.

Limit Distractions: Put away your phone and social media during study time.

Break It Down: Divide big projects into smaller, manageable parts with mini deadlines.

SELF-ADVOCACY AND COMMUNICATION

Speak Up: Communicate with teachers and counselors about your goals or when you need support.

Build Relationships: A good rapport with teachers and staff can lead to mentorship, guidance, and great recommendations.

Practice Email Etiquette: Write respectful and clear messages to teachers and school officials.

GROWTH MINDSET

Learn from Mistakes: Failure is part of success—reflect and bounce back stronger.

Celebrate Progress: Focus on growth and effort, not just perfect grades.

Stay Curious: Explore subjects outside your comfort zone to discover new interests.

WELLNESS AND BALANCE

Get Enough Sleep: Teens need 8–10 hours—rest helps with focus and mood.

Stay Active & Eat Well: Your brain and body work better with proper fuel and movement.

Make Time for Fun: Balance academics with hobbies, friends, and downtime.

COLLEGE AND CAREER PLANNING

Explore Interests Early: Try different clubs, electives, or summer programs to see what excites you.

Keep a Resume or Activity Log: Record your achievements and extracurriculars each year.

Build Your Brand: Think about how you want to present yourself to colleges—grades, activities, character.

SCHOOL HACKS BY GRADE

9TH GRADE

Transition & Foundation

Developmental Focus: Adjusting to new environments, seeking independence, building self-concept

Success Tips:

Master Time Management: Learn to balance multiple classes and

activities—start using a planner or app.

Build Routines: Set up regular homework and study times to reduce stress.

Get Involved: Join clubs or sports to build social connection and confidence.

Seek Support Early: Ask questions in class, go to tutoring, and use teacher office hours.

Explore Interests: Try a range of subjects and electives to discover what you

enjoy.

Learn Self-Advocacy: Practice asking for help and expressing yourself respectfully to adults.

10TH GRADE

Growth & Skill-Building

Developmental Focus: Gaining confidence in abilities, exploring identity, increasing autonomy

Success Tips:

Set Academic Goals: Reflect on 9th grade performance and set realistic, growth-oriented goals.

Deepen Study Habits: Practice active learning—annotate, self-test, and form study groups.

Challenge Yourself: Start taking summer dual enrollment courses if ready, but know your limits.

Start Career Exploration: Attend career days, informational interviews, or job shadows.

Track Activities: Begin a resume or activity log—colleges will care about what you do beyond grades.

Reflect on Strengths: Identify academic and personal strengths—this builds self-esteem and direction.

11TH GRADE

Identity & Intention

Developmental Focus: Solidifying identity, preparing for the future, managing increasing pressure

Success Tips:

Take Academic Ownership: Be proactive about workload, study plans, and communicating with teachers.

Prepare for Testing: Start SAT/ACT prep if college-bound. Take practice exams to identify gaps.

Research Colleges & Careers: Attend fairs, visit campuses, and talk to counselors.

Maintain Balance: Avoid burnout by scheduling breaks, managing sleep, and practicing self-care.

Build Relationships: Strong teacher and counselor connections will help with recommendation letters.

Demonstrate Leadership: Take initiative in clubs, volunteer work, or community projects.

12TH GRADE

Execution & Transition

Developmental Focus: Future orientation, identity affirmation, readiness for independence

Success Tips:

Stay Focused: Senioritis is real—keep grades strong and finish coursework with pride.

Complete Applications Early: Organize deadlines for college, scholarships, and financial aid.

Reflect & Decide: Think critically about post-grad options—college, trade school, gap year, etc.

Plan for Independence: Learn life skills (time management, budgeting, self-care) for college or career life.

Celebrate Growth: Reflect on high school journey and recognize how far you’ve come.

Ask for Help When Needed: Transitioning is exciting but hard—lean on adults you trust.