Academics

Grading and Teacher Reports

Cardigan uses a trimester system. We produce progress reports for each midterm (at which point teachers provide comments indicating a student’s strengths and challenges and a general sense of his current achievement and effort in the class thus far). Faculty issue formal grade reports at the end of each term. Cardigan grade reports include both achievement grade (i.e., letter grade) and a separate effort grade that encourages all boys to work toward their potential. 

Grading Scales 

Students are graded according to the following scale: A (94–100), A- (90–93), B+ (87–89), B (84–86), B- (80–83), C+ (77–79), C (74–76), C- (70–73), D+ (67–69), D (64–66), D- (60–63), and F (below 60). In addition to letter grades for performance, students receive grades for effort on a 5 through 1 scale: 5—excellent, 4—good, 3—average, 2—needs improvement, and 1—unsatisfactory. Unsatisfactory academic achievement or effort may result in mandatory attendance at proctored study hall or loss of off-campus trip opportunities and other privileges (including athletic practices and games) until improvement is noted.

Academic Program Requirements

Each student is required to take six courses each year at Cardigan, which include history, English, math, science, a world language (French, Latin, Spanish, or ESL), and PEAKS®. To enhance the academic experience of the boys, we also require that they take art electives each year; offerings include visual arts, music, theater arts, and woodworking. Participation in the Gates Invention & Innovation Competition program is required for our grade six and seven students and is optional for students in grades eight and nine. In consideration of the diverse profile of our student body, students are also obliged to take part in Cardigan’s Wellness class in grades six, eight, and nine.

Summer Reading

Please visit our Summer Reading page for information regarding summer reading requirements. Updates will be made each May.