Academic Policies and Requirements
At POLY Languages Institute, we are committed to helping students make consistent academic progress. These policies ensure that all students—especially F-1 visa holders—understand the expectations for academic standing, level progression, and program completion.
Academic Progress and Completion
Courses are designed to be completed within one 4-week term. Students may advance to the next level after successfully meeting the academic requirements defined in each course syllabus.
Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA)
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required. Students falling below this threshold will be placed on academic probation. If a student on probation fails to achieve a term GPA of 2.0 or higher in the following term, the student may be suspended for up to two terms.
For F-1 visa holders, failure to meet academic requirements may result in termination from SEVIS for “poor academic performance.”
Grading Policy
Student performance is evaluated through observable outcomes measured by assignments, quizzes, and tests. Final course grades are based solely on the total weighted scores from required assessments. Specific grading components and weights may vary by course and are defined in the course syllabus.
Grade Conversion Table
| Symbol | Point Value | Percentage | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 4.0 (3.5–4.0) | 90–100% | Excellent |
| B | 3.0 (3.0–3.4) | 80–89% | Good |
| C | 2.0 (2.0–2.9) | 70–79% | Satisfactory |
| D | 1.0 (1.0–1.9) | 60–69% | Unsatisfactory |
| F | 0.0 (0–0.9) | 0–59% | Failing |
| W | N/A | N/A | Withdrawal |
Maximum Course Repeats
Students may generally repeat a course only once. However:
- True beginners in Level 1 may repeat the course up to two times.
- Level 6 students may also repeat the course up to two times for additional preparation for higher education.
Once a student has successfully completed a higher level, they may not enroll in a lower level. All students must demonstrate normal academic progress.
Skipping Levels
A student may skip a level if they:
- Submit a qualifying TOEFL iBT or equivalent test score, or
- Earn an A grade in the current course with a recommendation letter from the teacher.
All level-skipping decisions require administrative approval.
Assessment Integrity
All testing must follow the official school exam protocols. Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty may result in exam failure, course failure, or disciplinary action.
Certificates of Completion and Level Completion
Students who successfully complete the full ESL program—either by completing Level 6 or the TOEFL Preparation course—are eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion.
Students who do not complete the entire program but successfully complete one or more levels may request a Certificate of Level Completion. This certificate reflects the highest course level completed with a passing grade and confirms the student’s academic achievement at that level.
Note: Certificates are issued only to students who are in good academic standing at the time of completion. Students with unresolved disciplinary or attendance issues may not be eligible to receive a certificate.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about academic policies or grading requirements, please contact us. We’re here to help you succeed.