Our Approach to Assessment
At Lake Eola Charter School, we believe assessment should support learning, not simply measure it.
Traditional grading systems often focus on earning points, percentages, and letter grades. While those measures can provide information, they do not always tell the complete story of a student’s growth. At LECS, we place a greater emphasis on mastery, progress, and meaningful feedback.
Our teachers continuously assess student understanding through classroom discussions, projects, performance tasks, observations, conferences, and student work. Rather than focusing solely on a final score, we work to help students understand what they have mastered, where they need additional support, and what steps they can take to continue improving.
Standards-Based Feedback
In courses that do not earn high school credit, students do not receive traditional letter grades. Instead, students receive standards-based feedback through rubrics that are aligned directly to the learning standards being taught in each class.
This approach allows students, teachers, and families to focus on the skills and concepts that have been mastered, as well as those that still need additional development. Rather than reducing learning to a single letter or percentage, standards-based assessment provides a more complete picture of a student’s academic progress.
Students enrolled in credit-bearing high school courses, such as Algebra I, Geometry, or High School Spanish, receive traditional letter grades that are recorded on their official high school transcript in accordance with state requirements.
Feedback That Fuels Growth
We believe that meaningful feedback is one of the most powerful tools in education. Students receive ongoing feedback from teachers throughout the learning process, helping them reflect on their work, strengthen their skills, and take ownership of their learning.
When students encounter challenges, they are encouraged to revise, improve, and continue learning rather than simply accepting a low score and moving on. This approach helps build perseverance, confidence, and a growth mindset.
A Partnership with Families
Open communication between teachers and families is a cornerstone of our educational philosophy.
Our teachers regularly share student progress, celebrate successes, and communicate areas where additional support may be beneficial. Families are encouraged to actively participate in their child’s educational journey through conferences, progress updates, and ongoing dialogue with teachers.
By focusing on clear communication and meaningful feedback, families gain a deeper understanding of their child’s strengths, growth, and learning goals.
Report Cards and Progress Reporting
Our report cards are designed to reflect our philosophy of growth and mastery. Rather than providing a single snapshot of student performance at a particular moment in time, report cards communicate a student’s progress toward mastering the standards and skills taught throughout the trimester.
Report cards are issued every 12 weeks and are available through each family’s Gradelink account. Parents are encouraged to regularly review student progress and communicate with teachers regarding any questions or concerns.
If you need assistance accessing your child’s Gradelink account, please contact the school office and our staff will be happy to assist you.
Preparing Students for Lifelong Learning
Our goal is to develop students who are motivated by curiosity, personal growth, and a desire to learn—not simply by the pursuit of a grade.
By emphasizing mastery, reflection, accountability, and continuous improvement, we help students develop the habits and skills necessary for success in high school, college, careers, and life.
At LECS, assessment is not the end of learning—it is part of the learning process itself