The minimum number of 18 full-year credits required for graduation includes:

English: 4 credits
Math: 3
Science: 2
Foreign Language: 3 (3 years of the same language through level III)
History: 3
Fine Arts: 1
Electives: 2

Total: 18

The above requirements must be met in order to earn a Berkshire diploma. Five academic courses are the standard, full load for Berkshire students. Students are urged to challenge themselves academically which, for many, means taking courses well beyond those required for a diploma and, in fact, taking more than five academic courses per semester. Berkshire strongly recommends that students take the most rigorous academic program in which they can be successful.

Grading

Grading at Berkshire is done with letter grades, ranging from A+ to F. The year includes two semesters and each semester includes two marking periods. Teachers assign letter grades for each marking period and each semester. Students also receive grades for semester exams and assessments which occur at the close of the first and the second semester.

Berkshire students also receive an effort mark at each marking period. Effort marks can be Excellent, Satisfactory, or Unsatisfactory and are assigned according to the student’s level of effort, class participation, and preparation. Outstanding effort is recognized as a worthy achievement at Berkshire.

Students gain an appearance on the Honor Roll by earning a GPA of at least 3.0, having no grade below a C, and no Unsatisfactory effort marks. They gain an appearance on the High Honor Roll by earning a 3.5 GPA, having no grade below a B-, and having no Unsatisfactory effort marks. Students gain an appearance on the Academic Performance List by earning Excellent effort marks in three or more courses, fails no course, and receives no Unsatisfactory effort marks.