At Morning Glory Academy, we believe that learning should be about mastery, not memorization. Traditional letter grades often fail to capture the depth of a learner’s understanding, reducing progress to a simple letter or percentage. Instead of a grading system that ranks students, we use a Badge System, which provides a clear and meaningful way to measure growth, skill development, and mastery of topics.

Each learner’s educational journey will be documented through the Transcript Mastery Consortium platform, providing a powerful and recognized transcript that can be used for college applications and beyond.

What is the Badge System?

The Badge System is a competency-based assessment that replaces traditional grades with a structured mastery framework. Each badge represents a student’s proficiency in a specific skill or concept, indicating the depth of their understanding in that area.

Instead of receiving A-F letter grades, students earn badges at different levels as they work toward full mastery of a subject. This system allows learners to revisit, improve, and refine their skills rather than being penalized for needing more time to grasp a concept.

Badge Levels:

🔹 Beginner – Building foundational knowledge and understanding

🔸 Practitioner – Applying skills with growing confidence and independence

⭐ Expert – Demonstrating mastery and critical thinking in the subject

🌟 Mentor – Leading, teaching others, and applying skills at an advanced level

Learners progress through each stage at their own pace, receiving guidance from their Montessori coaches and peers. They are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, set goals, and demonstrate understanding in ways that work best for them.

How Do Students Earn Badges?

Instead of relying solely on tests and quizzes, students earn badges by demonstrating their mastery through various methods, including:
✔ Projects & Presentations – Creating films, reports, experiments, or artistic pieces to showcase learning
✔ Skill Demonstrations – Completing hands-on tasks, coding challenges, or scientific experiments
✔ Peer & Self-Assessment – Reflecting on progress and receiving feedback from guides and classmates
✔ Community Engagement – Applying learning to real-world projects, internships, or service-based learning experiences
✔✔ Portfolio Development – Compiling work over time to show growth and progress in different subjects

This flexible, real-world approach ensures that students truly understand the material rather than just memorizing facts for a test.

Why Use the Badge System?

✔ Encourages Mastery & Growth – Learners can revisit topics and improve their skills without fear of failure.
✔ Personalized Learning – Each student progresses at their own pace based on interest and ability.
✔ Fosters Independence & Accountability – Learners set goals, track their progress, and take ownership of their education.
✔ Supports Deeper Learning – Focuses on real-world applications rather than rote memorization.
✔ Provides Clear Feedback – Parents and students can see exactly what skills have been mastered and what areas need improvement.

How Do Parents Track Progress?

Parents will have access to a digital badge tracker, which allows them to:
✔ See which badges their child has earned
✔ Understand their child’s strengths and areas of growth
✔ Follow their child’s learning journey in real time

Regular learner-led conferences provide students with the opportunity to showcase their progress to their parents or guardians. During these sessions, learners present their work, reflect on their growth, and set future learning goals with the guidance of their mentor. Additionally, one-on-one meetings with guides at regular intervals ensure personalized support, allowing for meaningful discussions on progress, strengths, and areas for growth.

Beyond School: How Badges Prepare Students for the Future

The Badge System goes beyond academics—these skills translate directly into college, career, and life. Colleges and employers are increasingly looking for demonstrated competency rather than just GPAs. With their portfolio of badges, Morning Glory Academy graduates can confidently showcase their abilities in all areas. 

At Morning Glory Academy, learning is not about chasing grades—it’s about achieving real mastery, cultivating curiosity, and preparing for a purposeful future.