Adoption Date: 06/22/2021

History: 3/22/22 (reviewed), 2/14/23 (reviewed), 2/13/24 (updated), 8/13/24 (updated)

Students will be promoted to the next grade level at the end of each school year based on the student's achievement, age, maturity, emotional stability, and social adjustment.

The district shall adhere to the following:

Retention/Promotion in Kindergarten-Eighth Grade

The retention of a student will be determined based upon the judgment of the district’s professional staff or by the request of the parents or guardian. When it becomes evident a student in grades kindergarten through eight may be retained in a grade level for an additional year, the parents or guardian will be informed prior to making the retention decision. It is within the sole discretion of the district to retain students in their current grade level and to deny promotion to a student.

Retention/Promotion in Ninth-Twelfth Grade

Students in grades nine through twelve will be informed of the required coursework necessary to be promoted each year. When it becomes evident a student in these grades will be unable to meet the minimum credit requirements for the year, the student and parents or guardian will be informed. It is within the sole discretion of the district to retain students in their current grade level and to deny promotion to a student.

Acceleration in Kindergarten-Twelfth Grade

Students in grades kindergarten through twelve with exceptional talents may, with the permission of district administration, the principal and parents, take classes beyond their current grade level. Enrichment opportunities outside the school district may be allowed when they do not conflict with the school district's graduation requirements.

Retention or Acceleration in Kindergarten-Twelfth Grade

May also occur in additional instances as provided by law.

For students in grades kindergarten through sixth, if a student is not reading at a proficient level, the district will notify a student’s parent or guardian of the student’s reading level and the option for parents to request that the student be retained in the student’s current grade level for the subsequent school year. The district is prohibited from promoting a student to the next grade level if the student is not reading proficiently, and the student’s parent or guardian requests the student be retained at their current grade level for the next year.

Any student or parent or guardian who is not satisfied with the decision of the district’s professional staff may seek recourse through policy 502.4 – Student Complaints and Grievances.

Policy References:

Legal Reference: 

Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .41; 279.8.
281 I.A.C. 12.5(16).

Cross Reference: 

410.2    Summer School Licensed Employees
603.2    Summer School Instruction