Academics

Reimagining Grading for Equity, Innovation, and Excellence

Across the nation, research and lived experience reveal a hard truth: far too often, children in urban schools receive below-grade-level work—not because they lack brilliance or ability, but because of bias, racism, and institutionalized stereotypes that shape expectations and opportunities. Traditional grading systems often deepen these inequities by rewarding compliance over learning, penalizing early mistakes instead of honoring growth, and obscuring what students truly know and can do.

At Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship, we are taking a bold step forward by transitioning to a standards-aligned and equitable grading system—one designed to make grades meaningful, accurate, and fair. This transformation will take time, patience, and courage as we unlearn outdated practices and embrace new, equity-centered ones. Change can be uncomfortable, and growth is rarely easy—but the process is worth it. Every challenge we face now will pay dividends in the character, confidence, and competence of our learners.

Just as entrepreneurs learn through iteration, reflection, and resilience, our students will develop these same skills as they take ownership of their learning. They will learn to set goals, persist through challenges, evaluate feedback, and grow from experience—skills that define both academic excellence and entrepreneurial success.

In reimagining grading, we are not just changing how we assess our students; we are cultivating innovators who see mistakes as opportunities, learning as a lifelong pursuit, and excellence as something within everyone’s reach.

Envisioning our goals, opening our minds, and embracing new challenges! The first Entrepreneurial Mindset of the year-Vision Boards!

What an amazing activity to do at home, as well! Create a "Family" Vision Board and refer to it as you work toward a goal!