Grades can feel confusing—but they don’t have to be. In this section, we break down what GPA means, how it’s calculated, and why it matters.
You’ll also find plain-language guides to different grading systems used in U.S. schools, from letter grades to weighted scores and alternative models.
Whether you’re a student trying to boost your GPA or a parent looking to support your child, these articles offer simple, reliable explanations to help you make sense of school performance.
Standardized testing has been a cornerstone of the education system for decades. Used in college admissions, state assessments, and policy-making, these tests aim to measure student performance and compare educational outcomes across different regions. But do standardized tests truly assess intelligence and learning ability, or are they an outdated tool that causes more harm than … Read more
Grading in homeschooling can feel like a gray area. Some parents wonder, Do I really need to grade my child’s work? What system should I use? Will it even matter in the long run? The truth is, having a grading system can make homeschooling smoother, more organized, and more effective—even if you’re not required to … Read more
Grading in U.S. public schools isn’t universal. A 93% might mean an A in one state and a B in another—because grading scales vary by state, district, and even grade level. As GPA targets, college admissions, and academic standards evolve in 2024–2025, it’s more important than ever to understand how your state calculates grades. Whether … Read more
