Academics

The Gradebook: A Window into Your Child’s Learning

At Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship, we start with why—a principle inspired by Simon Sinek’s Start With Why. Why do we maintain a gradebook? Why do we document learning and progress? Because learning deserves meaning. Because growth deserves visibility. And because every student deserves to be seen for who they are becoming—not just what they produce.

The gradebook is more than numbers or letters. It is a window into your child’s learning—revealing effort, resilience, curiosity, and progress. It also reflects the intentional learning experiences designed by teachers, showing the care, creativity, and purpose behind every lesson, project, and opportunity for growth. What families see in the gradebook is not just outcomes—it is the learning journey itself.

At PHCSE, learning is a partnership. Students, teachers, and families work together to support each child’s development. The gradebook strengthens that partnership by making learning visible, honoring progress, and communicating clearly about where students are growing and how they are being supported every step of the way.

As a school of entrepreneurship, we believe learning should be purposeful, empowering, and connected to who students are becoming. The gradebook reflects this belief. It shows students that effort matters, growth is valued, and learning is designed with intention—not just to measure performance, but to build confidence, agency, and vision.

When families and educators share the same why, the gradebook becomes more than a record. It becomes a shared story of growth, purpose, and limitless potential—one that invites families to celebrate learning and join in the journey.

We encourage you to explore the gradebook regularly: celebrate your child’s successes, notice where they are growing, and reach out to teachers with questions or to learn how you can support their next steps. Together, we can make learning visible, meaningful, and exciting for every student.