Crediting Process

At the Mastery School, learning is measured by mastery, not grades. Instead of earning letter grades, students earn Mastery Credits that recognize what they know, what they can do, and how they apply their learning. This approach creates meaningful goals, encourages continual growth through feedback and revision, and allows students to present a richer, more authentic picture of themselves throughout the college admission process.

Students work toward two types of Mastery Credits: Foundational Credits and Advanced Credits.

Foundational Credits represent the core knowledge and skills every graduate is expected to demonstrate. These graduation requirements include competencies such as Written Communication, Quantitative Reasoning, and Strategies for Wellness. To earn a credit, students curate a portfolio of work from across their courses and experiences and present it to a faculty review panel. Faculty evaluate the evidence, provide detailed feedback, and determine whether the student has demonstrated mastery at the Hawken standard. If additional evidence is needed, students revise their portfolio and resubmit, reinforcing the idea that meaningful learning is an ongoing process rather than a single performance.

Advanced Credits allow students to personalize their academic journey and highlight areas of exceptional interest, achievement, or expertise. Students submit projects that showcase their strongest work, and faculty evaluate each submission to determine which Advanced Credits it has earned. A single project may demonstrate mastery across multiple competencies, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the work students complete throughout their time at the Mastery School.

Students receive guidance throughout the entire crediting process. During their first year, they complete practice credit applications before submitting portfolios for official review. Grade level Wayfinding sessions, faculty mentoring, and dedicated credit support time during and after school help students develop confidence in documenting and reflecting on their learning.

As students prepare for college, their Mastery Credits are compiled into a digital Mastery Transcript. Developed right here at Hawken, the Mastery Transcript allows colleges to see far more than a traditional list of courses and grades. It highlights the skills, accomplishments, and habits of mind and character that students have demonstrated through authentic work over time.

More than 800 colleges and universities have accepted the Mastery Transcript as part of the admission process. At a time when colleges are looking beyond traditional measures of achievement, the Mastery Transcript provides a personalized, comprehensive view of each student's growth, strengths, and potential.