Adopted:                              	MSBA/MASA Model Policy 607
Orig. 1995
Revised:                               	Rev. 2005

607	ORGANIZATION OF GRADE LEVELS

I.	PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to address the grade level organization of schools within the school district.

II.	GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

A.	The policy of the school district is to address the groupings of grade levels as recognized in Minn. Stat. § 120A.05, as follows:

[Note:  Each school district should identify within the groupings as defined in Minn. Stat. § 120A.05, how grade levels shall be organized within the school district  from the options listed below:

Elementary:		Grades prekindergarten through 6

Middle:		Minimum of two consecutive grades above 4th but below 10th

Secondary:		(Grades 7 through 12)
   Junior High			Grades ___ through ___
   Senior High			Grades ___ through ___
  Vocational		Grades 7 through 12]

B.	The superintendent may seek school board approval to administer certain programs on a nongraded basis or a design different from that indicated.  Program proposals that seek school board approval must meet all state requirements and reflect the rationale for the modification.

III.	DEFINITIONS

A.	“Kindergarten” means a program designed for students five years of age on September 1 of the calendar year in which the school year commences that prepares students to enter first grade the following school year.

B.	“Prekindergarten” means a program designed for students younger than five years of age on September 1 of the calendar year in which the school year commences that prepares students to enter kindergarten the following school year.

Legal References:	Minn. Stat. § 120A.05, Subds. 9, 10a, 11, 13, 17 (Public Schools) 
Minn. Stat. § 123B.02, Subd. 2 (General Powers of Independent School Districts)

Cross References: