Progress Reports vs Report Cards: What's the Difference?

At Ephrata Schools, we’re committed to keeping families informed and involved in their student’s learning journey. As part of that, we provide both progress reports and report cards throughout the school year. While both offer insights into academic performance, they serve different purposes—and understanding that difference can help you support your child even more effectively.

🔶 Progress Reports: A Midpoint Check-In

Progress reports are shared midway through each semester (grades 5–12) and provide a snapshot of how your student is doing at that point in time. They include current grades, work habits and participation, but they’re not final.

This is a great opportunity to:

• Talk with your child about their current progress
• Celebrate what’s going well
• Identify areas where extra focus or support might be helpful
• Make a plan to finish strong

There’s still plenty of time to ask questions, turn in missing work, build habits and improve grades.

⚫ Report Cards: The Final Summary

At the end of each semester, report cards reflect your student’s final grades for the term. These grades go on their permanent academic record and may be used for honors, eligibility or advancement decisions.

🤝 Let’s Partner Together

If you see something on a progress report that concerns you—or if your student is struggling—it’s not too late to make a difference. Reach out to your child’s teacher, counselor or school administrator. We’re here to help, and we want the same thing you do: your child’s success.

Working together, we can:

• Set achievable goals
• Develop support strategies
• Encourage growth and confidence

Thank you for being an active partner in your child’s education. When school and home work together, students thrive. 🧡🖤