U.S. High School Grading System

When you think of school, you probably think of grades. Grades are an important aspect of the education system. They are used by college admissions committees to determine acceptance or non-acceptance, by parents to see how their children are doing, and as markers by which students judge their success or failure.

In the diversity of education systems, the U.S. high school grading system has always been a pioneer, broadening the horizons and enriching the content of education with its unique concepts and practices. Although it is also presented in the form of “scores”, the standard of judgment is very different from that in China. So, let me take this opportunity to share with you the grading system of U.S. schools.

Highlights of the article:

• S. Grading Criteria
• Advantages of the U.S. high school grading system?
• The impact of US high school GPA and grading system on college applications
• Advantages of grading at the SMOA online US high schools?

01 Grading Criteria in U.S. Schools

When teachers in the United States decide your grade, it is not determined by a single test like in China. Usually, it will be divided into a number of different “types of work”, such as classwork, homework, comprehensive projects, tests, final exams, etc. How much of each of these different “types of work” will be graded is entirely up to the discretion of the teacher. If you want to get a 90% grade, that means that you must get at least 90% on your homework, class exercises, comprehensive projects, and every quiz in order to get an A grade.

Of course, in addition to grading academic content, U.S. schools are particularly strict about a child’s behavior. They see this as a core element that will affect a child’s ability to learn and work in the long term, so they pay close attention to this piece throughout the year.

Examples include preparation for class, completion of tasks during class, completion of homework, ability to work cooperatively, concentration and perseverance while studying, response to challenges, flexibility, time management skills, receptivity to feedback, quality and quantity of classroom participation, and attendance: tardiness, excused absences, and records of missed classes.

02 Advantages of Grading in the United States

The advantages of the grading system in U.S. high schools start with the fact that it promotes the all-around development of students. For example, in a regular classroom setting, some students may exhibit high scores because of a special preference for a particular subject or a unique approach to learning, but a high score in that subject does not reflect the full range of that student’s abilities. The U.S. high school grading system, however, does exactly that. By examining and evaluating students in all aspects of their lives, this grading system allows teachers, parents, and the students themselves to get a fuller picture of the student’s development.

Another advantage of the system is that it is experiential, providing a platform for students to demonstrate their self-worth, especially for those who wish to emphasize their strengths. The marking system encourages students to find their own areas of specialization and further explore their potential. For example, a student with a passion for the arts may not be able to score highly in a traditional exam system, but under the U.S. High School grading system, he or she will have more opportunities to express him or herself.

03 The Impact of U.S. Grading

The realization of the U.S. high school grading system has undoubtedly had a profound impact on education systems around the world. The spread of such a system has encouraged numerous countries to re-examine their education assessment systems, favoring more whole-person education and more comprehensive and objective assessment of students. One of the core elements of future education is how to reshape the assessment system to meet the needs of a more diversified and open educational environment and society.

In addition, the grading system in U.S. high schools inspires students to explore and hone their potential, which has a positive impact on their future development. It makes them realize that personal value does not depend only on traditional academic performance, but also on the ability to respond flexibly to problems and to think independently.

04 The Impact of U.S. High School GPAs and Grading Systems on College Applications

The U.S. high school GPA and grading system has a significant impact on college applications, scholarships, and future employment.

GPA – an important criterion for college admission

GPA is a student’s academic grade point average and is an important indicator of a student’s academic performance. The U.S. education system relies heavily on GPA: colleges take GPA seriously when reviewing a student’s application, and generally speaking, the higher the GPA, the better the chances of being admitted to a top college or university. Some colleges will set a minimum GPA requirement, which is the only way to be considered for admission.

Standardized Grading System – Emphasis on Fairness and Transparency

High school grading systems in the United States are standardized, with most schools using a 4.0 GPA system. A standardized grading system emphasizes fairness and transparency, and it also helps college admissions offices compare applicants’ academic performance.

GPA, more than just a number

Although GPA is a number, it reflects a student’s overall academic performance. It reveals how serious, diligent and persistent a student is about his or her academics. If you have a high GPA, it shows that you have put a lot of effort into your studies and have a strong ability to learn and be self-driven.

05 SMOA Online Grading System for U.S. High Schools

1. A formative grading system based on US high school standards is used. It not only focuses on students’ test scores, but also emphasizes students’ learning process and participation. Through a diversified assessment of regular assignments (40%), unit module tests (30%), quizzes (15%), collaborative topic workshops (10%) and class participation (5%),we ensure fairness of grades and focus on students’ comprehension, application and creativity, emphasizing the outcome-oriented nature of education to help students maximize their academic performance
2. Selected professional Schoology and Team learning platform to ensure the learning effect. Includes live class playback, online textbooks, online learning resources, online homework reminders, online class reminders, interactive widgets and so on.

Digital class scheduling, homework, test layout and correction, perfect for online teaching.

The optional Jupiter school registration system can make three-dimensional transcripts available at any time, with built-in grade alerts and learning process traces. It can do with the official transmission of transcripts to the university, there is a guarantee.

Grades are available at any time, and class attendance is updated at any time.

Subjects and basic information; overall GPA and various grades; early warning reminders; keep a trace of the entire learning process. Formation of three-dimensional transcript system sealing, real and reliable! Can be transmitted with the university official to official.

You can view the grading composition, important points of teacher’s grading, other students’ grades in the course, as well as median subject grades and teacher’s grading trends, and monitor the fairness of teacher’s grading!

SMOA’s online U.S. high school program is a perfect replica of the professional U.S. high school grading and academic management system. Choose SMOA not only for the credits, but more importantly, to provide protection for this online learning experience. Experience the most authentic American education, learn knowledge, and have the credits earned through short-term study guaranteed.

Advantages of SMOA

• From the top 100 boarding high schools in the U.S.–St. Mary’s School, renowned for exceptional quality of education.
• Elite teachers ensure teaching quality;Pure U.S. high school education, acknowledged globally.
• Cognia authoritative certification;Highly recognized by universities for credits, transcripts and recommendation letters.
• 500+ graduates enter the world’s most prestigious schools; High credibility and reputation
• Comprehensive and rigorous grading;Process assessment, focus on final results
• Effective in raising GPA; 33 out of 5.0 for regular, 5.0 out of 5.0 for AP
• Rich course selection, 20+ AP courses;Year-round rolling classes, multiple class types, customizable
• Have our own mainland AP test center;No need to travel to Hong Kong or abroad for AP exam
• Real-time classes in Asian time zones + asynchronous classes; Flexible and efficient learning
• Professional learning platform and teaching system; Bilingual Learning Coach 7*24 Supervision

For students in domestic general high schools, public international departments, international schools and overseas high schools, it is a way to both supplement their credits and raise their GPA. Students in domestic general high schools and international students can also participate in the US High School Diploma Program we offer and apply to world universities with US High School status.

SMOA – Online U.S. High School 2024 is open for enrollment on a rolling basis (includes AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science A, AP Psychology, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP Physics 1, AP Statistics, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Physics 2, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics, Earth and Space Science, Algebra, Fashion Design, Interior Design, and more), students can enroll at a time that works for them, or they can also choose one-on-one classes for more flexibility! We look forward to welcoming you~!