GENERAL LEARNING
The teachers of the typical entry levels (6th , 7th, and 9th  grades) will spend time on the development of study skills and organization.  For the sake of organization, we strongly suggest that students have an assignment pad.  Notebooks in most subjects will be maintained throughout this portion of orientation. Students in the middle school can anticipate an average of 1.5 hours of homework each night, whereas students in the high school can anticipate approximately 2 hours of homework per night; weekend assignments are common. “Homework” at La Salle involves four components which support the learning process:  1) Written work; 2) Study in advance of class or tests; 3) review of recent work for encryption; and 4) organization of material such as notes, folders, books, or portfolios.
Across the curriculum it is expected that each student would be reading approximately 25 books each year.

PREREQUISITES FOR ACCELERATED, ADVANCED, AND HONORS LEVEL COURSES:

HONORS LEVELS

Students in honors levels of language are willing to work hard to master what they are learning.  They have a strong and positive work ethic.  They do all of their own work and don’t need “extra help” just to get a decent grade.  They often look for “extra work” so they can learn more.  Good honors level students tire their teachers out just trying to keep up with them.  Good honors level students are in it for the grade or the transcript profile; they’re in it because they enjoy the challenge.  They are self-motivated and capable of independent study.  They are able to absorb and process large amounts of material in a short period of time with a high degree of accuracy.  Good honors level  students come to class prepared.

Accelerated courses are courses which are taken by a student ahead of grade level.  For example, foreign language study usually begins in the 9th grade.  A student starting in middle school would be considered “accelerated,” that is, a level ahead.  A freshman taking Living Environment would be accelerated.  A freshman taking Biology at the honors level would be “advanced.” The purpose for taking accelerated courses is to be able to take the advanced electives at the end of the program.
Advanced and Honors level courses are courses which go much more in depth than the regular program course.  Students are expected to be able to absorb and process large amounts of information, must be self-starters, and are expected to develop or already possess critical skills and must be willing to read and write in an analytic fashion.    Students in Honors and AP courses should not need “extra help” on a regular basis.   In general students should be able to maintain grades in the mid-80’s at the least.
Advanced Placement Courses are courses which lead to the taking of an Advanced Placement exam.  Students in these courses take both the AP exam and the teacher’s and/or New York State final exam for the course.  The cost for the AP exam is set by the College Board and must be paid by the student in advance of the test.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

At La Salle, all students take a full schedule of classes every year.  As students in a Catholic, college preparatory school, all students are expected to take a course in Religion, English, History, Math, and Science every year.  The passing grade for courses is 70.  The passing grade for New York State regents exams is 65.   The New York State standards are minimum standards.  La Salle Institute typically meets and exceeds what the State mandates.

• The History requirement is completed by passing the 2-year course in Global History & Geography, US History and Government and the 2 half-credit courses of Economics & Decision Making and Participation in Government.
• All students must take the SAT’s at least once during the high school years.
• Passing grade for NYS regents exams is 65.

GRADUATION FROM MIDDLE SCHOOL
A ceremonial graduation is held for all students.  In order to receive a diploma, a student must pass all of the courses in grade 8.  This includes any accelerated or advanced courses in which he may be enrolled.  There are no sequence requirements for middle school. 
All of the New York State Assessments for Grade 8 are administered at the prescribed times.