Our curriculum is committed to educating the whole child. We aspire to such goals as academic excellence, athletic, and other extracurricular participation, personal integrity, respect for one's self and others, social responsibility, and servant leadership.
While all courses are above grade level, some courses are designed for those students who are more academically advanced. Recommendations for these courses are based on teacher recommendations and student readiness, as reflected in his or her performance.
Students in sixth grade will be placed in classes based on their performance and teacher recommendation.
Eighth-grade students will be placed in ninth-grade courses based on their performance and teacher recommendation. To be considered for Honors courses, Upper School guidelines will be followed.
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Middle School Grading Scale |
|
A+ |
97-100 |
|
A |
93-96 |
|
A- |
90-92 |
|
B+ |
87-89 |
|
B |
83-86 |
|
B- |
80-82 |
|
C+ |
77-79 |
|
C |
73-76 |
|
C- |
70-72 |
|
F |
below 70 |
Grading System
Darlington’s grading system is numerical. Letter grade equivalents and grade points are in the chart on this page.
Honor Rolls
Darlington has a two-tier Honor Roll, based upon a student’s numerical average.
Headmaster’s List: 95 or higher average, with no grade below 90
Director’s List: 90 or higher average, with no grade below 85
National Junior Honor Society
National Junior Honor Society at Darlington is an academic service and leadership society. Members are encouraged to provide a good example to their fellow students and to assist anyone who needs help with academic subjects. Any current seventh-grader or eighth-grader who demonstrates the characteristics of leadership, scholarship, service, honor, and citizenship is encouraged to apply for membership into the National Junior Honor Society. The application process begins in January each year and consists of the follows steps.
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A meeting will occur with all students in grades 7-8 to discuss the purpose of NJHS and the application process. A letter will be sent to parents and students outlining the application process and due dates.
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Students will notify the Faculty Advisor of their interest to apply.
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Applicants will first be assessed based on meeting the qualification of Scholarship (minimum grade requirement (87.5) set forth by the Darlington’s Chapter of NJHS). Students who meet the scholarship requirement will have an opportunity to complete an application detailing their accomplishments in and commitment to Service, Leadership, Character, and Citizenship.
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Applications will be open for completion during advisory time. Students may ask for help from their advisor to complete the application.
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Nominees with behavior issues from the current academic year can be removed from consideration at this time.
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All faculty and staff that teach, coach, or supervise the 7th and 8th grade students will provide feedback on the student’s qualifications as they relate to Service, Leadership, Character, and Citizenship.
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Nominees will interview with two members of the Faculty Council and the Faculty Advisor.
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All data from applications, faculty feedback, and interviews will then be assessed by the Faculty Council and invitation to join NJHS may be issued.
Students that are inducted in seventh grade will have the opportunity to be an officer in eighth grade. Students can be removed from membership of NJHS following disciplinary action.
Qualifications for membership are based on the five pillars of NJHS:
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Scholarship - Per national guidelines, at a minimum, students must have a cumulative GPA of 87.5.
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Service-This involves voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation.
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Leadership - Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.
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Character - The student of good character is cooperative; demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others; and generally maintains a clean disciplinary record.
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Citizenship -The student who demonstrates citizenship understands the importance of civic engagement; has a high regard for freedom and justice; respects the U.S. form of government; respects the law for all citizens at the local, state, and federal levels; and demonstrates mature participation and responsibility in activities such as scouting, community organizations, or school clubs.
