Retention is the process of delaying a child’s promotion to the next grade. It is an educational alternative considered only in rare circumstances with review of a student's academic, social, emotional, developmental, physical, chronological, and/or intellectual needs. 

Elementary Grades (PK-6th)

A child should be considered as a candidate for retention only after all other available options are considered. Retention decisions will always take into account such additional factors as school adjustment, parental/guardian support, alternative programs, and teacher recommendations.

Secondary Grades (7th-12th)

Students may be retained at the 7th or 8th grade level on the basis of performance in academic core subjects:  math, reading, science, or social studies. Retention decisions at the middle school level also will take into account such additional factors as school adjustment, parental/guardian support, performance on district and state assessments, and teacher recommendations. Students completing 9th grade must have earned at least 4 credits toward high school graduation in order to progress to the 10th grade. Students completing the 11th grade must have earned at least 16 credits toward high school graduation in order to move to the 12th grade and senior standing.

Appeals Process

After receiving a decision to retain a student, a parent may request reconsideration of a retention decision by taking the steps outlined below. Parents who disagree with the District’s decision to promote a student to the next grade may also appeal the decision upon receipt of the student’s report card by taking the steps outlined below.

First Level of Appeal. The parent may request review of the initial decision by letter to the site principal. If no request is received within five (5) days of the parent’s receipt of written notification of the committee’s initial decision to retain or promote, the decision will be final and non-appealable.

Second Level of Appeal. The parent may request review of the principal’s decision by letter to the Superintendent, or designee. If no request is received within five (5) days of the parent’s receipt of the principal’s written notification of his or her decision, the principal’s decision will be final and non-appealable.

Final Level of Appeal. The parent may request review of the Superintendent’s decision by letter to the Superintendent or Clerk of the Board of Education. If no request is received within five (5) days of the parent’s receipt of the Superintendent’s written notification of his or her decision, the Superintendent’s decision will be final. The parent will be notified in writing of the date, time, and place of the Board meeting at which the decision will be reviewed. The Board’s decision will be final and non-appealable. If the parent disagrees with the Board’s decision, he or she may prepare a written statement stating the reason(s) for disagreement, which will be placed in and become a part of the student’s permanent cumulative record.

Prior to retaining a student at the parent’s request, the student’s parent will be required to sign an acknowledgement form accepting responsibility for any adverse consequences of retaining a student against district recommendations.

Approved by the Board of Education June 2013

Revised October 2013

Revised February 2018

Revised September 2024