How to Grade for High School

(Without Losing Your Mind)

Feeling a little queasy about giving grades? Don't worry—you've totally got this. Grading high school at home might sound scary, but it's really just another skill you'll master, like teaching long division or surviving a field trip to the science museum.

Let's make it simple (and even a little fun):

Step 1: Grading Tests and Quizzes (a.k.a. the Easy Part)

Math, science, and spelling are subjects that are either right or wrong. Use a classic grading scale:

A = 90–100%
B = 80–89%
C = 70–79%
D = 60–69%
F = 0–59%

Just tally up those correct answers, do a little math magic, and boom—you've got a grade!

Step 2: Grading the "It Depends" Subjects

But what about English essays, history projects, or that brilliant-but-bizarre diorama of the Trojan Horse?

You could make a fancy rubric with percentages and points…

You could keep it simple with the 1–3 Scale:

1 = A (Rockstar-level work! )
2 = B (Solid effort, good comprehension! )
3 = C (You get it, but there's room to grow! )

If the work would earn a D or F, it's redo time until they nail it!

Step 3: Calculating the Magical GPA

Ready for some light math? (We promise it's not scary.)

Each letter grade becomes a point:

A = 4
B = 3
C = 2
D = 1
F = 0

Then, think about credits. Most people count 1 credit for about 120–180 hours of work in a year (that's around 3–5 hours per week). Half that time? Half a credit. Easy peasy!

Pro Tip: Check your state's rules! (HSLDA.org is a great place to start.)

Example Time!

English 9: A (1 credit) = 4 points
Algebra 1: B (1 credit) = 3 points
Art: A (0.5 credit) = 2 points

Add up the grade points: 4 + 3 + 2 = 9 points

Add up the credits: 1 + 1 + 0.5 = 2.5 credits

Now divide: 9 ÷ 2.5 = 3.6 GPA

And just like that, you're officially a transcript wizard.

Final Thoughts

Grading doesn't have to be a stress-fest. Keep it simple, stay consistent, and remember—you're setting your student up for success.

You're doing amazing, homeschool hero!