Scholars Academy: A Unique Approach to Report Cards

At Scholars Academy, we view report cards not just as a tool for communication but as an essential part of reflecting our scholars’ growth, achievements, and aspirations. Our approach to reporting is intentional, designed to provide clarity while embracing the unique and diverse learning journeys of our scholars. Here’s how we approach report cards across our Lower and Upper Academies, emphasizing growth, mastery, and alignment with broader educational standards.

Learning Progressions: A Focus on Growth

Our report cards are built around learning progressions, which outline the skills scholars should know and be able to demonstrate by the end of each grade level or course. These progressions emphasize that mastery is a growth process—not a fixed endpoint.

We prioritize growth over time , providing meaningful, constructive feedback to scaffold continuous learning. This approach ensures that scholars are supported in meeting and exceeding standards while developing the confidence to approach new challenges. Learning progressions are designed to support growth rather than limit expectations, empowering scholars to exceed standards and deepen their understanding. They serve as a roadmap for teachers and families while honoring the individuality of each learner.

Myriad Learning: Beyond the Standards

We understand that the skills and strategies scholars develop extend far beyond what is listed in a report card. Each report is a snapshot of progress, not the full picture.

Scholars Academy celebrates the myriad learning happening every day—creativity, collaboration, resilience, and problem-solving. These valuable traits and skills may not fit neatly into a report card but are integral to the holistic growth of our scholars. By emphasizing constructive feedback, we ensure scholars build upon their strengths and address challenges in ways that foster continuous improvement. This broader view ensures that no scholar feels limited by the scope of the document, fostering a culture of curiosity and lifelong learning.

Lower Academy Reporting Key

In the Lower Academy, we use a key that reflects the progression of learning:
P – Progressing: The scholar is developing their understanding and skills in this area.

M – Met: The scholar has met the expected standard for this skill or concept.

E – Exceeding: The scholar demonstrates advanced mastery or application of this skill or concept.

NE – Not Evaluated: This area has not been evaluated during this reporting period.

This system is intentionally designed to focus on growth and mastery rather than simply assigning a grade. By emphasizing progress and areas for improvement, it highlights the journey of learning and allows scholars to celebrate achievements while setting goals for the future.

Upper Academy Traditional Grading

In the Upper Academy, we adopt traditional letter grades on a 10-point scale. This approach aligns with grading systems across the education sector, ensuring consistency and clarity. While we emphasize individualized growth and excellence, these grades serve as a common language that facilitates smooth transitions for scholars to other K-12 institutions or institutions of higher education.

To support this system, scholars receive actionable, constructive feedback alongside their grades, guiding them toward mastery and deeper understanding. For scholars who are fully engaged, maintain strong attendance, and complete all opportunities for learning with solid effort, earning A’s and B’s should be fully achievable. This principle reflects our belief that dedication and commitment to learning lead to meaningful academic success.

Intentionality in Reporting

Report cards at Scholars Academy are the only formal reports intentionally written in the “language of schools” across the educational sector. This intentionality ensures that our scholars’ achievements and progress are easily understood by other institutions, whether they are transitioning to another K-12 school or applying to colleges and universities.

By balancing individualized growth with sector-wide standards, we aim to equip families with tools that reflect both the unique strengths of their scholars and their readiness for the next step in their educational journey.

At Scholars Academy, report cards are more than a formality—they are a celebration of growth, a reflection of mastery, and a gateway to continued learning. Through our focus on growth over time and constructive feedback, we empower scholars to achieve excellence and embrace challenges.

Whether through the nuanced progression key of the Lower Academy or the familiar grading system of the Upper Academy, our approach ensures that every scholar’s journey is honored, celebrated, and ready to shine beyond our walls.

We’re proud to partner with families in this process, ensuring that our scholars have the tools they need to succeed today and far into the future.