Just wondering: how do most high schools grade?

Is there a 'standard' or 'most common' grading system that high schools use? I know some use a GPA scale, some percentage-based... I'm just wondering how most high schools do it.

When it comes to high school grading, there's actually quite a bit of variation. Indeed, you're correct that some use a GPA scale while others use a percentage-based system.

The most commonly used system, however, particularly in the United States, is the Grade Point Average (GPA) system. In this system, letter grades (A, B, C, D, F) are converted into numerical equivalents, often on a 4.0 scale. In this scale, an A would represent a 4.0, a B a 3.0, a C a 2.0, a D a 1.0, and an F a 0.0. Some schools also use a weighted GPA system to account for the difficulty of the courses taken. This means that if a student takes an AP or honors course, they may be graded on a 5.0 scale instead of a 4.0 scale.

Percentage-based systems, on the other hand, assign a numerical value to each achieved grade. For example, an A+ might have a value of 97-100%, an A a value of 93-96%, and so forth.

Lastly, while less common, some schools may use a standard-based grading system, where students are evaluated based on how well they understand and can apply specific competencies or skills, rather than receiving cumulative grades for a class.

Ultimately, the grading system can vary significantly depending on the school district, individual school policies, and even classroom practices. It's important to understand how your school calculates grades and how it translates into college admissions.