PDS requires that each student acquire the skills and strategies listed in the Subject Area Competencies section of the PDS report card in order to be promoted to the next grade. In grades 1-4, a yearly average of “1” in any area indicates that the student is not making adequate progress toward that competency. After looking at the complete profile of a boy as a learner, the school will make the decision regarding promotion or retention for those boys who achieve yearly averages of “1” on a subject area competency.

In grades 5-6, a failing grade in any core subject (a yearly average of 64 or below in language arts, math, science or social studies) will result in a students’ retention in his current grade or in separation from the school.

Because of the rigorous academic standards maintained by the school, a student that is experiencing much difficulty may not be regarded as failing, but may, in the opinion of the school, be unable to do the work in the next grade. Under these circumstances, the school reserves the right to determine the appropriate grade placement of the student.

Boys who miss 25 or more days of school will not be promoted to the next grade.