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Our student evaluation policy reflects ITA’s commitment to nurturing the whole child through Torah values and thoughtful educational principles. We believe that assessment should support growth, encourage responsibility, strengthen a love of learning, and reflect each student’s individual educational journey.

Assessment at ITA emphasizes qualitative feedback, personal development, sincere participation, and meaningful engagement with learning material.

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1. Instructional Models at ITA

International Torah Academy supports multiple instructional models in order to meet the diverse educational needs of homeschooling families.

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Some students participate primarily through parent-directed homeschooling supported by ITA guidance, curriculum planning, evaluations, and recordkeeping. Other students participate in teacher-led online instruction through live classes, structured coursework, and direct academic interaction with instructors.

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While instructional structures may differ, all students enrolled at ITA are expected to maintain appropriate academic responsibility, respectful conduct, communication, and sincere participation within the educational environment.

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2. Grading Roles and Responsibilities

Parent Involvement

Parents remain important educational partners within the ITA learning environment. Depending on the instructional model selected by the family, parents may participate in evaluating student progress, monitoring assignments, supporting educational structure within the home, and collaborating with instructors and administration.

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Teacher Evaluation

ITA instructors, approved teachers, and educational partners are expected to follow the Academy’s educational standards and grading criteria. Teachers may evaluate assignments, participation, projects, written work, presentations, examinations, and classroom conduct where applicable.

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ITA Evaluation Oversight

ITA reserves the right to review coursework, jointly evaluate assignments, and issue final grades for core subjects and high school courses in order to maintain consistency with the Academy’s educational standards and philosophy.

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3. Academic Evaluation Criteria

Grading at ITA may include a combination of the following elements, adapted appropriately to the student’s developmental level, instructional structure, and learning style.

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Class Participation (for Online Students)

Active engagement in live instruction, including participation in discussions, respectful classroom conduct, attentiveness, preparedness, and appropriate communication with instructors and classmates.

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Assignments and Homework

Quality, completion, and consistency of assignments reflecting understanding, effort, responsibility, creativity, and connection to the material.

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Projects and Presentations

Hands-on projects, presentations, written work, and creative assignments that allow students to demonstrate understanding through multiple forms of expression.

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Quizzes and Tests

Quizzes, examinations, oral recitations, take-home assessments, or traditional testing formats appropriate to the student’s educational needs and course structure.

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Effort, Improvement, and Middot

Recognition of consistent effort, personal growth, perseverance, honesty, responsibility, and positive middot within the learning process.

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4. Learning Conduct and Educational Responsibility

Academic success at ITA is understood as involving both subject mastery and responsible participation within the educational environment.

In addition to academic grades, students may receive evaluations related to:

• learning conduct,

• achrayut (responsibility),

• hasmadah (diligence and consistency),

• participation,

• communication,

• preparedness,

• and derekh eretz, including kavod ha’melamed within the classroom environment.

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These evaluations are based upon observable educational conduct and participation rather than personality traits or personal disposition.

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Satisfactory standing in these areas may be considered in decisions involving:

• advancement to higher coursework,

• honors eligibility,

• recommendation letters,

• leadership opportunities,

• participation in advanced programs,

• and continued enrollment at the Academy.

 

ITA reserves the right to place students on academic or enrollment probation when patterns of non-participation, chronic disengagement, refusal to complete coursework, disruptive conduct, ongoing communication failures, or continued failure to meet educational responsibilities significantly interfere with the learning process.

 

Depending upon the circumstances, probationary review may involve:

• academic recovery plans,

• parent conferences,

• participation expectations,

• temporary enrollment conditions,

• behavioral expectations,

• or administrative review regarding continued enrollment.

Each situation is reviewed individually and thoughtfully with consideration for the student’s educational needs and overall ability to function successfully within the ITA learning environment.

 

5. Grade Scale

Our grading scale is designed to provide a clear but balanced measure of academic progress:

• A (93–100%) — Excellent mastery and application with personal engagement

• A− (90–92%) — Strong understanding with advanced skills and effort

• B+ (87–89%) — Good comprehension with above-average performance

• B (83–86%) — Solid understanding with consistent effort

• B− (80–82%) — Satisfactory work with room for improvement

• C (70–79%) — Basic understanding; additional support recommended

• D (60–69%) — Minimal comprehension; significant improvement needed

• F (Below 60%) — Incomplete or failing; course requirements not met

 

6. Reporting Grades and Exams

Grades for students in Grades 1–12 are generally reported per term in order to reflect cumulative learning and long-term academic progress.

 

High School Exams

High school students may be required to complete examinations proctored or approved by ITA staff for selected courses. Examination procedures, fees, and scheduling requirements will be communicated in advance.

 

7. Retake and Re-Evaluation Policy

ITA reserves the right to require re-evaluation, additional coursework, or supplementary assessment for courses completed through outside institutions or alternative educational settings in order to ensure alignment with ITA academic standards and graduation requirements.

 

8. Discrepancy Resolution and Appeals

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Joint Review

If discrepancies arise between evaluations provided by parents, instructors, or outside educational providers, ITA may conduct a joint review of the student’s work in order to determine an appropriate final evaluation.

 

Appeals

Parents may submit written requests for review of final evaluations or grades. Appeals will be reviewed thoughtfully and in consideration of the student’s educational history, instructional model, and overall academic progress.

 

9. Special Accommodations

Students with learning differences or special educational needs may receive individualized accommodations or modified evaluation methods where appropriate.

Accommodations may include adjusted grading criteria, alternative assessments, additional support structures, or individualized learning expectations designed to support meaningful educational growth.

 

10. Advanced Coursework and Honors Designation

 

Honors Courses

Honors courses at ITA are designed to challenge students who demonstrate advanced abilities, strong academic readiness, and meaningful engagement with learning. These courses feature more rigorous assignments, deeper content exploration, and elevated expectations compared to standard coursework.

Students enrolled in Honors courses may receive additional GPA weighting, typically ranging from +0.5 to +0.75 depending on the subject. Honors designations are noted on transcripts (e.g., “Pre-Calculus (Honors)”).

Placement in Honors courses may consider:

• prior academic achievement,

• teacher recommendation,

• learning conduct,

• participation,

• and overall educational readiness.

 

Dual Enrollment Courses

ITA offers dual enrollment opportunities for students to complete college-level coursework through approved partner institutions while earning both high school and college credit.

Dual enrollment courses are typically weighted higher than standard coursework, generally at +1.0 GPA points. These courses provide students with advanced academic experience and preparation for college-level expectations.

Transcripts may indicate dual enrollment status (e.g., “College Algebra – Dual Enrollment”).

Eligibility requirements may include:

• meeting partner institution criteria,

• satisfactory academic standing,

• demonstrated responsibility,

• and readiness for advanced coursework.

 

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

AP courses at ITA follow curricula developed by the College Board and provide students with the opportunity to pursue college-level studies and AP examination credit.

These courses are among the most academically demanding offerings and are generally weighted at +1.0 GPA points to reflect their rigor.

Students enrolled in AP courses may be expected to complete the corresponding AP examination at the end of the academic year.

Transcripts will designate AP coursework appropriately (e.g., “AP Calculus AB”).

Admission to AP coursework may require:

• successful completion of prerequisite coursework,

• teacher recommendation,

• satisfactory learning conduct,

• and demonstrated academic readiness.

 

Honors Classification for Students with Advanced Skills or Prior Knowledge

ITA recognizes that some students enter courses with advanced knowledge, language fluency, artistic development, musical training, athletic experience, or prior academic preparation.

Honors designation may therefore be available for qualified students in areas such as:

• mathematics,

• foreign languages,

• fine arts,

• music performance,

• and physical education.

Eligibility may be determined through:

• placement testing,

• prior coursework,

• documented experience,

• auditions,

• certifications,

• evaluations,

• or teacher recommendations.

Students receiving Honors designation may complete differentiated coursework, advanced assignments, leadership opportunities, or elevated performance expectations appropriate to their educational background and abilities.

All Honors courses will be clearly designated on transcripts.

Example transcript entries:

• “Geometry (Honors)”

• “Spanish III (Honors)”

• “Piano Performance I (Honors)”

• “Honors Physical Education: Basketball”

Last Updated
Sivan 9, 5786 / May 25, 2026