What is a passing grade in high school?

A passing grade in high school varies depending on the school, district, and even the individual teacher's grading scale. However, there are some commonalities:

  • Most commonly, a "C" or 70% is considered the minimum passing grade. This means a student needs to achieve at least 70% of the total possible points in a class to pass. However, this is not a universal standard.

  • Some schools use a letter grade system (A, B, C, D, F), while others might use a numerical system (e.g., 0-100%). The cutoff for passing will be specified in the school's grading policy.

  • A "D" might be considered passing in some places, but it often comes with conditions. A D grade might mean the student passed the course but may need to improve for college admissions or future academic success. It might also signify needing to retake the course or a portion of it.

  • Failing grades (typically "F" or below 60%) indicate the student did not meet the minimum requirements for passing the course and must typically retake it.

  • Credit requirements vary. A passing grade doesn't just mean passing the class; it also often means earning credit towards graduation. The number of credits needed to graduate is set by the school or district.

  • Policies on borderline grades can differ. Some schools may allow teachers some leeway in borderline cases (e.g., a 69% might be rounded up to a 70%), while others strictly adhere to the set grading scale.

To know definitively what constitutes a passing grade, a student should refer to their school's grading policy, student handbook, or consult with their teachers or guidance counselor.