School ratings can be genuinely useful — if you know how to read them. The format differs by state, but the underlying ESSA indicators are similar: achievement, growth, graduation, English-learner progress, and a school-quality measure. Each guide explains your state’s system and how to use it wisely — alongside a visit. A living reference, updated as states revise their systems.
All states & D.C.
A-F report card grades
Report card + support identification
A-F letter grades (points system)
A-F (ESSA School Index)
Color School Dashboard (5 colors) + SARC
Performance Frameworks (plan types)
Next Generation Accountability index
Star ratings (1–5)
A-F school grades
CCRPI index score (0–100)
Strive HI (index + classifications)
Report card + support identification
Summative designations (Exemplary – Comprehensive)
A-F paused/redesigned; ESSA designations
Rating levels (Exceptional – Priority)
Report card + KESA accreditation
Color/star rating (blue – red)
A-F (School Performance Score)
Data reporting + support identification
Star ratings (1–5)
Classification + percentile (1–99)
MI School Index (0–100) + dashboard
North Star (support identification)
A-F grades (growth-weighted)
APR points score (MSIP)
Data reporting + support identification
AQuESTT classifications (4 levels)
Star ratings (1–5, NSPF)
Report card + support identification
Performance Reports + ESSA designations
NM Vistas dashboard (moved from A-F)
ESSA designations (Good Standing, CSI/TSI)
A-F grades (80% achievement, 20% growth)
ND Insights + support identification
Star ratings (1–5); moved from A-F in 2023
A-F report card grades
Rating levels + support identification
Future Ready PA Index dashboard
Star ratings (1–5)
Descriptive ratings (Excellent – Unsatisfactory)
School Performance Index (points)
A-F letter grades (TVAAS growth)
A-F grades (three domains)
Report-card dashboard (moved from A-F)
Data + Education Quality Reviews
School accreditation + Quality Profiles
WSIF index (~1–10) + report card
STAR framework (1–5 stars)
Balanced Scorecard (color by measure)
0–100 score + 5-level star rating
WAEA ratings (Exceeding – Not Meeting)