At Toby Johnson we share a genuine concern about the academic, social, and emotional growth of our students.  However, the State of California has mandated that all students be held accountable for mastering a core set of academic standards before they are allowed to promote to the next grade level.  In recommending grade retention, we will examine a combination of factors that will include grades, attendance, and teacher recommendations as well as the social and emotional growth of students.  This combination of assessment will be used to recommend promotion and/or retention at TJMS. 

The school year is divided into four (4) 9-week terms with students enrolled in four (4) classes per term.  Each of these classes, if successfully completed by the student, earns the student 5 credits.  Therefore, students will be able to earn 20 credits per term and a total of 80 credits for the school year.  All 7th grade students need to successfully complete a minimum of 65 credits overall to promote to the 8th grade.  If a student earns fewer than 65 credits before beginning 8th grade, he/she will not be able to participate in the 8th grade promotion ceremony.  All 8th grade students need to complete a minimum of 130 credits overall to promote to the 9th grade and participate in the promotion ceremony.