Promotion Policy

A 7th or 8th grade student must pass the equivalent of three (3) of the four (4) core academic courses (Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies) in order to be promoted to the next grade. Since two semester grades are issued in each course, this means that a student must have a minimum of six passing semester grades from these four classes.

A 9th grade student must earn a minimum of two (2) credits by the end of the school year in order to be promoted to the 10th grade at either Northside or Southside High School. A half unit of credit is earned for each passing semester grade.

An Arkansas Scholar is a student in grades 9-12 who is committed to achieving and maintaining the following criteria:

• at least 95% attendance annually (no more than 9 absences):
• completion of Smart Core Curriculum;
• earn no (semester) grade lower than a "C" (courses may be retaken to qualify);
• completion of high school in eight consecutive semesters.

Scholars are recognized by the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce and local employers through a system of awards and incentives, culminating with a luncheon for 12th graders who maintained Scholar status and with placement of a special seal on the Scholar's transcript.  Employers who recognize the seal have agreed to give priority in hiring to Arkansas Scholars.  UAFS scholarships are also available to Arkansas Scholars.

Note:  All ninth grade students begin the school year on the Arkansas Scholars list.  In order to remain on the list they must continue to meet the above criteria throughout high school.