Grading Scale for the 2025/2026 School Year
This page outlines the grading policies and assessment practices for St. Margaret School for the 2025/2026 academic year. The approach to grading varies by grade level to reflect appropriate developmental expectations. A more detailed explanation can be found in the Parent/Student Handbook that was sent out at the beginning of the school year, and can also be found on the “Parent” page of our website.
Grading by Grade Level
Kindergarten
Standard: Meets grade-level expectations
Achievement/Conduct Key:
CD = Consistently Demonstrates
MP = Making Progress
NI = Needs Improvement
NA = Not Assessed
Grade 1
Standard: Demonstrates an understanding of concepts taught within the trimester
Achievement/Conduct Key:
CD = Consistently Demonstrates
MP = Making Progress
SN = Support Needed
NA = Not Assessed
Grade 2
Standard: Demonstrates an understanding of concepts taught within the trimester
Achievement/Conduct Key:
CD = Consistently Demonstrates
MP = Making Progress
SN = Support Needed
NA = Not Assessed
Grades 3-5
No standard in PowerSchool for Special Area Subjects. There is no need to link assignments to a standard.
Grades 6-8
Standard: Conduct
Achievement/Conduct Key:
CD = Consistently Demonstrates
MP = Making Progress
NI = Needs Improvement
Assessment Practices
Kindergarten – Grade 2
In Kindergarten through Grade 2, grading is standards-based and reflects students’ developmental readiness and progression toward mastery. The focus is on growth, skill acquisition, and demonstration of understanding through developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
Progress is reported using performance levels (Consistently Developing, Making Progress, Support Needed, and Not Assessed at this time).
Assessment Methods:
- Teacher observation
- Classwork and student discussions
- Work samples and portfolios
- Checklists and rubrics aligned to standards
- Formal quizzes and tests (administered in developmentally appropriate ways)
While traditional numerical weighting is not applied in Grades K-2, assessment results are used to inform instructional decisions and report progress toward grade-level standards.
Grades 3-8
Grades should primarily reflect the student’s academic mastery of the subject content. Schools will determine the category weighting within these ranges and will communicate school-specific grading practices.
Components of Grading:
| Category | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Content Knowledge | Classwork, practice activities, tests, and quizzes that assess mastery of core subject content | 50% |
| Assessment of Learning | Major tests and projects that evaluate mastery of material | 20% |
| Skills Application and Critical Thinking | Problem-solving assignments and critical thinking projects | 20% |
| Homework and Practice | Homework and in-class practice activities | 10% |
Trimester Grade Keys
Grades 3-8
| Grade | Percentage Range |
|---|---|
| A+ | 97-100 |
| A | 93-96 |
| B+ | 89-92 |
| B | 85-88 |
| C+ | 80-84 |
| C | 75-79 |
| D | 70-74 |
| E | 69 and below |
Grades K-2
| Performance Level | Percentage Range |
|---|---|
| Consistently Developing | 93-100 |
| Making Progress | 75-92 |
| Support Needed | 74 and below |
| NA | Not Assessed at this time |
Special Subjects (Grades 3-8)
| Performance Level | Percentage Range |
|---|---|
| Consistently Developing | 93-100 |
| Making Progress | 75-92 |
| Needs Improvement | 74 and below |
| NA | Not Assessed at this time |
Report Cards and Progress Reports
In the Archdiocese of Baltimore, students in pre-kindergarten through grade 8 will receive report cards three times a year, at the conclusion of each trimester. In addition, the school will send progress reports home for grades 3-8 during the middle of each trimester.
2025–2026 Interim and Report Card Dates
| Trimester | Interims | End of Trimester Report Cards |
|---|---|---|
| T1 | Oct. 8 | Nov. 14 (Nov. 24 for distribution) |
| T2 | Jan. 21 | Feb. 27 (Mar. 9 for distribution) |
| T3 | Apr. 22 | Grade 8: June 1 Preschool/Kindergarten: June 4 Grades 1–7: June 10 |
Note: This grading scale applies to the 2025/2026 academic year at St. Margaret School. For questions about specific grading practices, please contact the school administration.