Grades can narrow learning to a single metric, reducing rich, complex thinking to a number or letter. In contrast, we offer authentic, meaningful assessment that supports a love of learning and encourages students to take intellectual risks.

Rather than traditional grades, we provide detailed narrative reports that offer insight into each student’s growth, strengths, and next steps. Students reflect on their own progress through portfolios, and families stay engaged through four parent-teacher conferences each year—including one focused entirely on math. These conversations allow for collaboration, listening, and a deep understanding of each learner’s journey.

Feedback at Acera is ongoing and personal. It happens in real time—through conversation, written comments, and shared reflection. This approach helps students “fail forward,” embracing mistakes as opportunities to grow. They learn to take on challenges, persist through difficulty, and experience the satisfaction of deep engagement.

We also incorporate external measures thoughtfully. Students participate in the NWEA MAP assessment twice a year, providing a broad view of growth across academic domains.

Our no-grades approach allows students to go both deep and wide in their learning. They pursue their interests while developing essential skills, all within a framework that values process over performance. By removing the pressure of grades, we make space for real learning, joyful exploration, and a mindset that sees challenge not as something to fear—but as something to love.