How to Use the HCPSS Grade Calculator

This calculator is based on the official HCPSS secondary grading policy for year-long courses. To find your final grade, simply enter your percentage grades for each marking period.

• Quarter 1 Grade (%): Enter your final percentage grade for the first marking period.

• Quarter 2 Grade (%): Enter your final percentage grade for the second marking period.

• Quarter 3 Grade (%): Enter your final percentage grade for the third marking period.

• Quarter 4 Grade (%): Enter your final percentage grade for the fourth marking period.

Choose Your Calculation Goal:

You can use this tool in two ways:

1. To Calculate Your Final Grade:

   • Final Exam Grade (%): Enter the score you received or expect to receive on your final exam. The calculator will show you your final, year-end grade for the course.

2. To Find What You Need on the Final Exam:

   • Final Exam Grade (%): Leave this field blank.

   • Desired Final Grade (%): Enter the overall course grade you are aiming for (e.g., 90 for an A, 80 for a B). The calculator will tell you the minimum score you need on the final exam.

Understanding Your HCPSS Grade Calculation

The result you see is not an estimate; it’s a precise calculation based on the specific weighting system mandated by the Howard County Public School System for its secondary schools.

The Official HCPSS High School Grading Formula

For all high school level courses, the final grade is determined by a simple, consistent formula where each of the five major grading components is weighted equally.

Sample Calculation Walkthrough

Let’s see how this works for a student in a year-long course.

• Q1 Grade: 92% (A)

• Q2 Grade: 84% (B)

• Q3 Grade: 88% (B)

• Q4 Grade: 94% (A)

• Final Exam Grade: 80% (B)

Calculation:

• (Q1 Grade × 0.20) + (Q2 Grade × 0.20) + (Q3 Grade × 0.20) + (Q4 Grade × 0.20) + (Final Exam × 0.20) = Final Grade

• (92 × 0.20) + (84 × 0.20) + (88 × 0.20) + (94 × 0.20) + (80 × 0.20) = Final Grade

• 18.4 + 16.8 + 17.6 + 18.8 + 16.0 = 87.6%

The student’s final grade for the course is 87.6%, which corresponds to a B on the HCPSS report card.

Your HCPSS Grading Questions Answered

How is the HCPSS Middle School grading policy different?

The HCPSS Middle School grading policy is very similar for courses that have final exams. The four quarters and the final exam are each weighted at 20%, just like in high school. For semester-long courses in middle school, the policy is typically Quarter 1 (40%), Quarter 2 (40%), and a final exam or assessment (20%). Always confirm the specific grading policy in your course syllabus.

How are weighted courses (GT, AP, Honors) calculated in my GPA?

This is a critical distinction. The calculation for your final course grade (the 87.6% in the example above) is the same for all courses. The “weight” applies when your school calculates your Grade Point Average (GPA). HCPSS adds extra quality points for challenging courses.

HCPSS GPA Weighting Scale: | Letter Grade | Regular Class | Honors Class | GT / AP Class | | :— | :— | :— | :— | | A | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | | B | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 | | C | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 | | D | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | | E | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |

So, an ‘A’ in a regular math class adds 4.0 points to your GPA calculation, while an ‘A’ in an AP Calculus class adds 5.0 points.

Where can I find my official grades on HCPSS Synergy?

HCPSS uses the Synergy platform for official grade reporting. Students and parents can log in to check grades.

1. Go to the HCPSS portal at hcpss.me.

2. Click on the Synergy (StudentVUE / ParentVUE) icon.

3. After logging in, navigate to the “Grade Book” tab on the left-hand menu to see detailed assignment scores and current averages.

What is the difference between Formative and Summative assignments?

In the HCPSS gradebook, you will see assignments marked as either formative or summative. This reflects the district’s philosophy on assessment.

• Formative (10% of Quarter Grade): These are assignments designed for practice and to check for understanding. They include things like homework, classwork, and simple checks for understanding.

• Summative (90% of Quarter Grade): These are assessments that measure a student’s mastery of the content. They include major tests, projects, essays, and lab reports.

What is the “50% Rule” in HCPSS?

The HCPSS grading policy includes a “safety net” provision. A student who makes a good-faith effort on an assignment cannot receive a grade lower than 50% for that assignment. This is intended to prevent a single bad day or a missed assignment from having a disproportionately negative effect on a student’s quarter grade.

What happens if I am legally absent for the final exam?

According to HCPSS policy, if a student has a lawful absence for a final exam (e.g., for a documented illness), they must arrange a makeup with the teacher. If the exam is officially excused by an administrator and cannot be made up, the final course grade is typically calculated using only the four quarter grades, with each quarter’s weight being increased to 25%.

How do the Elementary School letter grades work?

HCPSS Elementary Schools use a standards-based grading system, not percentages. Therefore, this calculator cannot be used for elementary grades. The indicators you see on an elementary report card are:

• I: Independent

• P: Proficient

• IP: In-Process

• N: Needs Development

Can I retake a class to improve my grade in HCPSS?

Yes. For high school courses, HCPSS has a “grade forgiveness” policy. If a student receives a D or E in a course required for graduation, they may retake the course. The higher of the two grades will be used in the calculation of the student’s GPA. Both courses and grades, however, will remain on the official transcript.

What are the official letter grade cutoffs for an HCPSS report card?

The final percentage grade is converted to a letter grade using this standard scale:

• A: 90% – 100%

• B: 80% – 89%

• C: 70% – 79%

• D: 60% – 69%

• E: 59% and below (Indicates Failure)

Plan Your Academic Success

Now that you understand your course grade, you can plan your academic future.

• See how your final grades will impact your overall Grade Point Average using our comprehensive [HCPSS Weighted GPA Calculator].

• If you need to figure out your grade in a class that doesn’t use the HCPSS 20/20/20/20/20 system, use our standard Final Grade Calculator.

• Preparing for college applications? Read this guide on How Your High School GPA Affects Your College Chances.