A grade report (or report card) is a formal document tracking a homeschool student's academic progress and achievements, including subjects studied, grades, attendance, and teacher comments.
What is a Grade Report?
A grade report in homeschooling is a formal document summarizing a student's academic performance over a specific grading period, whether quarterly, semester, or annual. It typically includes subjects studied, grades or evaluations, attendance records, teacher comments, and any awards or recognitions. While not all states require formal grade reports, maintaining them creates valuable documentation of your child's educational journey. For high school students especially, grade reports form the foundation for creating transcripts needed for college applications. The parent or guardian serving as the homeschool administrator is responsible for creating and maintaining these records.
Key Takeaways
- Grade reports document academic progress and are required in some states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Missouri
- Essential elements include student information, subjects, grades, grading scale explanation, and attendance
- Free templates are available from HSLDA, Canva, and many homeschool websites
- High school grade reports become critical for transcript creation and college applications
- Even when not required, grade reports provide valuable documentation and progress tracking
What to Include
A complete grade report contains header information (student name, school year, grade level, homeschool name), academic details (subjects studied, grades using your chosen scale, credits for high school), and supporting documentation (attendance record, teacher comments, strengths and growth areas). Include an explanation of your grading scale so others can interpret the grades. For high school students, ensure grade reports align with transcript requirements, as colleges expect specific formatting. Many families find it helpful to include a student photo for future reference, especially when maintaining records over multiple years.
State Requirements
State requirements vary significantly. New York requires quarterly progress reports as part of the Individualized Home Instruction Plan. Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Missouri require regular reports. Texas, Alaska, and Idaho have minimal to no reporting requirements. Even in low-regulation states, maintaining grade reports protects families if regulations change or questions arise. Check HSLDA's state laws map for your specific requirements. Documentation should typically be kept for 2-5 years minimum, longer if your student may apply to college.
Free Templates and Resources
The Bottom Line
Whether required by your state or maintained by choice, grade reports serve important practical purposes beyond compliance. They help track curriculum effectiveness, provide documentation for school transfers or sports eligibility, and create a record your child can look back on. Starting in high school, formal grade tracking becomes essential for transcripts. Keep your process simple and consistent: choose a grading system, use the same template throughout the year, and update regularly. Professional-looking reports carry weight with institutions even when not legally required.
