An aerial view of a baseball field surrounded by trees.

A Pathway to Excellence

Piedmont Academy administers a comprehensive program of testing at all levels to assess the individual progress of each student. All students in 2nd-8th are given the IOWA Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)  achievement test. Students in 9th grade take the Pre-Scholastic Aptitude Program test (ACT) either on or off campus. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and American College Testing Program test (ACT) either on or off campus. Juniors are given the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) and sophomores and juniors take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). Juniors are administered the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test. Students who are obtaining driving permits are administered ADAP (Alcohol, Drug Awareness Program) through their health class.

Small classes at every level allow the close contact and one-on-one instruction that assures a student of the teacher's genuine interest in his/her success. Piedmont teachers are patient mentors capable of inspiring young lives; creative instructors experienced in motivating young minds; and supportive friends willing to share young interests. 


In choosing Piedmont, parents can be confident that their child will be skillfully taught with respect, individuality, and love. Grading reports are issued every nine weeks and parents, as well as students, have on-line accounts through RENWEB that allow them access to information posted concerning grades, course information, and homework assignments.


The grading scale for Piedmont Academy grades first through twelfth is:

  • 90-100 Excellent
  • 80-89 Good
  • 70-79 Average
  • below 70 Failing


24 Carnegie units are required for an honors' college preparation diploma.

Elementary school Pk3/PK4-4th

The Lower School consists of PK3/PK4 through fourth grade. During these years, Piedmont maintains close communication and interaction with parents, an essential factor in the successful progress of a child. 


A classroom becomes the child's home for eight hours. At Piedmont, the second home is inviting and creative, managed by a professional who knows that a positive self-image is the greatest lifelong gift a teacher can bestow. Recognizing that children learn differently, Lower School teachers incorporate visual, auditory, and kinesthetic methods of instruction. Self-contained classrooms assure a stable learning environment, while some degree of departmentalization enables students to benefit from the special talents of other teachers.


In choosing Piedmont for the Lower School years, parents can be certain that they are entrusting their small child to caring adults who will nurture his/her feelings in an environment which is secure, happy, and richly stimulating.

A group of young girls are making a gingerbread house in a classroom.
A teacher is giving a presentation to a group of students in a classroom.

The academy 5th-6th

Our fifth and sixth grade students join The Academy. Students will have the hands-on experience, emphasis on leadership, reading comprehension, vocabulary and WIN (What I Need!) time.


Our fifth and sixth grade students are grouped in what we have named, The Academy, then seventh and eighth grade students form our middle school and ninth through twelfth grades are our high school students. This change comes with social and academic benefits for our students.


  • There are significant differences in the maturity level between 6th graders and 8th graders. Similarly, there are significant differences in a third and fifth grader. The Academy will prepare 5th and 6th graders for the transition to middle school while, as we do with all students, support them as they group spiritually, academically, and socially.
  • The 5th grade will continue to take Bible, recess, PE, art, music, and dismissal will occur as it did in the past.
  • The 6th graders will have PE and will also be enrolled in an elective each quarter (along with 7th and 8th graders) choosing from classes like: Bible, Computer, Psychology, Art, Music, or FFA.
  • Both grades will have the opportunity to participate in our athletics program at the levels that they have in the past.
  • The 5th and 6th graders will have break and lunch together, followed by our groups of middle school and high school students.
  • All academic levels will have a group of teachers dedicated and committed to the success of students in their classrooms.

Middle school 7th-8th

The Middle School, now seventh and eighth grades, will have a core group of teachers working with them in the same manner as our elementary and academy students.


Our middle school students will all take PE each week and be enrolled in an elective each quarter (along with 6th graders) choosing from classes like: Bible, Computer, Psychology, Art, Music, or FFA. Both grades will have the opportunity to participate in our athletics program at the levels that they have in the past.

A teacher is reading a book to her students in a classroom.
A group of young people are standing around a table in a classroom.

High school 9th-12th

The High School expands and further refines the programs initiated in the earlier years. Working closely together, the faculty provides the strong curricular continuity that is the hallmark of an outstanding college preparatory school. Piedmont offers Honors classes at all levels and Dual Enrollment courses in a variety of subject areas. Exceptional students are allowed to take courses above grade level, while small, even individual, classes provide fourth year foreign language study to interested students. 


Enriching the traditional college preparatory curriculum are electives and independent study. Cultural and scientific field trips regularly enhance course study.