Families and Students: 

We are writing to share an important update to our final exam procedures. Beginning this school year, we are introducing a final exam exemption option for eligible students. This is a new practice, and we want every family to understand how it works before exam week. 

Who Must Take a Final Exam? 
All students are required to take a final exam in each course unless they qualify for the exemption described below. Seniors must complete every part of their final exam prior to graduating unless they meet an exemption. Please note: a Final Unit Summative Exam and written portions of a 2-Part Cumulative Exam have no exemptions available — these apply to all students, including seniors. 

New: Academic & Attendance-Based Exemption 
Students can now earn an exemption from the final exam day component by demonstrating strong performance and consistent attendance throughout the semester.  
 
A student qualifies when they meet BOTH of the following conditions: 

• Has an A as their overall semester grade in the course, AND 
• 4 or fewer absences from that class during the semester 

We encourage students to see this as a meaningful incentive: consistent attendance and strong academic performance all semester long can exempt them from taking the final exam day component. 

Important exception: this exemption does not apply to non-cumulative finals. Non-cumulative finals must still be taken by all students at the end of the semester to demonstrate mastery of all course standards. 

A Few Important Reminders

• Exempt students are not excused from class on final exam day. 

• Exemption doesn't apply to written portions taken before the final exam date, or to summative unit exams. 

• Teachers will communicate exemption status by the Tuesday before Final Exams. 

We believe this new exemption structure rewards strong attendance and academic performance while still ensuring all students demonstrate mastery of course content. If you have questions about how this policy applies to your student, please contact your student's teacher or school counselor. 

Thank you for your continued partnership.