The French grading system ranges from 0 to 20. It would be inaccurate to merely multiply a French grade by a factor of 5 to find its American equivalent. A score of 20 signifies perfection and is virtually never given. 19 and 18 are equally rarely given. Depending on subject and level, a 16 can be considered an excellent grade. In yet other circumstances, a 12 may also be considered an excellent grade.
After having conducted several polls and studies, Dallas International School recommends the following comparison of grades at the secondary level (junior high and high school/collège et lycée). The following equivalencies are taken from the Office of Examination Services in Bethesda, MD.
| French Grade | American Equivalent
6th-9th Junior High or Collège |
|---|---|
| 16 thru 20 | A+ (97-100%) |
| 15 - 15.9 | A (94-96%) |
| 14 - 14.9 | A- (90-93%) |
| 13 - 13.9 | B+ (87-89%) |
| 12 - 12.9 | B (84-86%) |
| 11 - 11.9 | B- (80-83%) |
| 10 - 10.9 | C+ (77-79%) |
| 9 - 9.9 | C (74-76%) |
| 8 - 8.9 | C- (70-73%) |
| 7 - 7.9 | D+ (67-69%) |
| 6 - 6.9 | D (64-66%) |
| 5 - 5.9 | D- (60-63%) |
| 0 - 4.9 | F (below 60%) |
| American Equivalent
10th-12th High School or Lycée |
|
|---|---|
| 14 - 15.9 | A (93-96%) |
| A- (90-92%) | |
| B (83-86%) | |
| B- (80-82%) | |
| C (73-76%) | |
| C- (70-72%) | |
| D (63-66%) | |
| 4 - 4.9 | D- (60-62%) |
| 1 - 3.9 |
Lew Alcindor