Kairos believes in mastery-based grading. This is an approach to student assessment in which student work is graded directly on whether it demonstrates mastery of a clear list of objectives. Rather than using points or partial credit, final grades are based on the degree of mastery each student has demonstrated of the objectives by the end of the course. Students at Kairos have multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery of each objective. Mastery grading emphasizes learning, provides clarity for students, and encourages perseverance and a growth mindset.
This means that late work is not penalized. As long as students submit their work and demonstrate mastery, they have the opportunity to earn full credit.
Progress Reports and Report Cards
Kairos doesn’t issue “report cards” because, until graduation in 2026, grades are never finalized. Instead, we issue “progress reports”—updates on a student’s progress towards realizing the Kairos mission (becoming a self-directed learner, leader, and citizen).
Families receive a Progress Report at the end of each cycle. These Progress Reports allow students, their family, and their coach to step back and review the cycle, discuss what went well, and plan to improve in the upcoming cycle.
During the school year, students will have an “I” for “Incomplete” instead of an “F” for”Failing.” Courses are incomplete if students:
- are missing project
- have too low an average on the course’s Cognitive Skills
- are not on track to complete all Power Focus Areas
An “I” is a reminder to a student and their family that they need to keep working to receive a passing grade. It is NOT a final grade. Students will only receive an “F” if they fail to improve their grade with the support of their coach and teachers by the end of the year, or if they transfer out of Kairos.
At the beginning of the year, students may receive an “N/A”. This occurs when there hasn’t been any projects to grade yet. Don’t worry. That will change soon!
Learn more about summit and fundamentals grading.