Article Text

At McLean High School, some students argue that the A-minus grading scale intensifies academic stress by placing heavy weight on differences of just a few percentage points.

Fairfax County classifies grades from 89.5% through 92.4% as an A-minus rather than an A. That distinction can affect a student’s GPA and class ranking, turning individual quizzes, assignments and semester averages into sources of added pressure.

Critics say the system can also discourage students from taking academic risks. Instead of choosing demanding courses out of curiosity, students may select classes strategically to protect their GPAs. One difficult unit, low quiz score or missed assignment can influence a final grade and weighted GPA calculations.

“Students already deal with enough pressure from AP classes, sports and extracurriculars,” McLean freshman Sajan Chandela said. “The grading scale just adds more stress over every assignment.”

The policy also differs from grading practices at nearby schools, including Washington-Liberty and Yorktown high schools. Because Northern Virginia students frequently compete for admission to the same colleges and for the same scholarships, opponents contend that different grading systems can make applicants with similar academic performance look different on paper.

Supporters say A-minus grades preserve academic rigor, limit grade inflation and give colleges a more precise picture of student achievement.

Students critical of the policy counter that narrow percentage differences do not necessarily reflect meaningful differences in understanding. They believe the scale rewards perfectionism while shifting attention away from learning, effort and intellectual exploration.

As concerns about academic pressure and student mental health grow across competitive Northern Virginia schools, some McLean students and parents want Fairfax County to reconsider whether the distinction between an A and an A-minus helps students more than it harms them.