The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) uses Policy 8020 to ensure consistent grading, reporting, and academic feedback for middle and high school students. This policy focuses on mastery of curriculum standards and provides clear guidelines for calculating final grades, GPA, and handling special cases like transfers or incomplete work.
Why This Matters:
Grades determine credit for graduation, college eligibility, and class rank.
Understanding the system helps students strategize to improve their academic standing
HCPSS uses a letter-grade system (A–E) with no plus/minus modifiers. Here’s what each grade means:
Letter Grade Percentage Range Quality Points Description
A 90–100% 4.0 Outstanding mastery
B 80–89% 3.0 High achievement
C 70–79% 2.0 Satisfactory
D 60–69% 1.0 Needs improvement
E Below 60% 0.0 No credit awarded
Note: Percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number (e.g., 89.5% becomes 90%)
Weighting:
Each quarter = 20%
Midterm exam = 10%
Final exam = 10%
Example: If you earn A, B, B, A in quarters and B on midterm/final:
(4×2) + (3×2) + (3×1) + (4×2) + (3×1) = 35 ÷ 10 = 3.5 (Final Grade: A).
Weighting:
Each quarter = 40%
Final exam = 20%
Example: C in Q1, B in Q2, C on final:
(2×2) + (3×2) + (2×1) = 12 ÷ 5 = 2.4 (Final Grade: C).
Courses: Biology (G/T and regular), American Government (2024–25 onward).
Weighting:
Each quarter = 20%
State exam = 20%
Example: Four Bs in quarters + B on state exam:
(3×2) ×4 + (3×2) = 30 ÷ 10 = 3.0 (Final Grade: B)
Unweighted GPA: Uses the standard 4.0 scale (A=4, B=3, etc.).
Weighted GPA: Adds extra points for advanced courses:
Honors: +0.5 (e.g., A = 4.5)
AP/IB/G&T: +1.0 (e.g., A = 5.0)
Example:
AP Biology (A) = 5.0
Honors English (B) = 3.5
Regular Math (A) = 4.0
Weighted GPA: (5.0 + 3.5 + 4.0) ÷ 3 = 4.17
HCPSS uses codes to track special cases. Here’s what they mean:
Code Description Impact on GPA
I Incomplete (due to absences) Temporary; must resolve within 2 weeks
N/A Missing grades (transfers) Calculated into GPA
W Withdrawal after deadline No credit
X Late enrollment No credit
Z Missed exam Converted to E if unresolved
Starting in 2024–25, Biology and American Government courses include state exams worth 20% of the final grade. These exams replace traditional finals and are mandatory for all students.
There are a lot of calculators available. Use any freely available tools that simplify complex calculations.
Select Course Type: Full-year, semester, or state-assessed.
Input Grades: Enter letter grades or percentages.
Get Results: Instantly see your final grade and GPA.
Try it here (Recommended): HCPSS Grade Calculator
Yes! The higher grade replaces the original in GPA calculations, but both appear on transcripts.
Missing grades get an N/A code. Final grades average available quarters.
A 0.75 average is required for a D (0.75–1.49)
Track Grades Early: Use the calculator monthly to avoid surprises.
Focus on Weighted Courses: AP/Honors classes boost GPA significantly.
Resolve Incompletes Quickly: I codes turn to E after 2 weeks
Official Policy 8020: Full Document
Grade Calculator: Interactive Tool
HCPSS Help Portal: HCPSS Portal