Quebec Report Cards: A Parent's Guide

Quick take

Quebec students receive three report cards a year, worth 20, 20 and 60 percent of the final mark, and each one evaluates specific competencies in every subject.
Competencies carry different weightings, so knowing which skills count most helps you see where extra focus will make the biggest difference.
Read the teacher's comments closely and compare competency scores across terms to spot trends before difficulties become more significant.
Repeated low scores in the same competency, trouble grasping key concepts or frustration with schoolwork are signs your child may benefit from tutoring.

Updated September 2026 with the current provincial report card rules.

Report card day can bring a mix of emotions for parents and students alike, pride, relief, or sometimes concern. In Quebec, the report card is more than just a summary of grades; it’s a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s progress, strengths, and areas for improvement. Unlike traditional letter grades, Quebec’s report cards focus on competencies and skill development, helping parents and educators understand where a student excels and where extra support may be needed. But what do all these numbers, weightings, and comments really mean? And how can parents use this information to guide their child toward success?

This guide will help you decode Quebec’s report cards, explain how to assess your child’s progress, show where to find official templates, and explore how tutoring can be a valuable tool for academic growth.

Decoding Quebec’s Report Cards: How Do They Work?

Quebec’s standardized report cards provide consistency in how student progress is communicated across schools. Unlike systems that use only grades or percentage scores, Quebec evaluates students based on competencies, providing a more detailed view of their academic development.

What’s Included in a Quebec Report Card?

Each student receives three report cards per year, one at the end of each term, detailing their progress across different subjects. Schools also send home a first written communication by October 15, then report cards by November 20 and March 15, and a final report card at the end of the year. The terms do not count equally: Term 1 and Term 2 are each worth 20 percent of the final mark for the year, and Term 3 is worth 60 percent. Key components include:

Competency Evaluations: Each subject is broken down into specific competencies, evaluating skill development in different areas.

Competency Weightings: Some competencies have more influence on a student’s final grade than others.

Descriptive Feedback: Teachers provide written comments highlighting strengths, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.

The goal of this approach is to shift the focus from simply earning a grade to developing a well-rounded set of skills that prepare students for lifelong learning.

Competency Evaluations & Weightings: What Do They Mean?

Competency-based evaluations may seem complex but understanding them is key to helping your child succeed. Instead of giving an overall grade for each subject, Quebec’s system breaks subjects into specific skills or competencies that are weighted differently.

How Competencies Are Evaluated

Each subject consists of specific competencies that students are expected to master. For example, in English Language Arts, competencies might include:

Uses language to communicate and to learn: Assesses communication and comprehension skills.

Reads and listens to texts: Evaluates reading comprehension and analytical skills.

Produces spoken, written, and media texts: Measures writing, speaking, and multimedia communication skills.

Each competency is assessed separately, providing a deeper understanding of a student’s strengths and challenges. In secondary English Language Arts, the three competencies carry almost equal weight: 33, 33 and 34 percent.

Why Competency Weightings Matter

Not all competencies contribute equally to a student’s final grade. For instance, in Secondary Mathematics, the weightings look like this:

✔ Solves a situational problem: 30%
✔ Uses mathematical reasoning: 70%

Elementary school uses the same split from Cycle Two (Grades 3 to 6), while Cycle One (Grades 1 and 2) weights mathematical reasoning at 80 percent and situational problems at 20 percent.

By understanding these weightings, parents can better identify which skills have the most impact on overall performance and where extra focus may be needed.

In some grades, a ministerial examination also feeds into the final result. Ministerial exams in elementary school and Secondary II count for 20 percent of the final mark for the competency evaluated. In Secondary IV and V, the school mark and the ministerial exam each count for 50 percent, and a final result of 60 percent or higher is needed to pass the subject.

For more details on competency weightings across subjects, visit:
Quebec’s Competency Weightings Guide

How Do I Know If My Child Is on the Right Track?

Many parents wonder: “Is my child doing well, or do they need extra help?” The key is reading beyond the numbers and looking at trends over time.

Look at Competency Scores, Not Just Overall Grades

A child who is excelling in one competency but struggling in another within the same subject may need additional support in specific skills rather than the entire subject.

If a competency is consistently low across multiple report cards, it may indicate a learning gap that requires more serious intervention.

Read the Teacher’s Comments Closely

These comments provide personalized insights that go beyond the numbers, including:

Strengths and progress made during the term.

Areas needing improvement.

Suggested next steps for continued growth.

Compare Performance Over Time

Have your child’s competency scores improved, declined, or remained stable?

Are they showing consistent struggles in a specific area?

Has the teacher’s feedback highlighted the same challenges across multiple terms?

Tracking these trends helps parents take proactive steps to support their child’s learning before difficulties become more significant.

For additional guidance, visit Alloprof’s Parent Resources:
Understanding Your Child’s Report Card

Access Official Quebec Report Card Templates

If you’re unsure what your child’s report card should look like, official templates can help you understand the layout and what to expect.

The Quebec government lists the competencies and weightings that appear on the report card for each subject, for preschool and elementary school and for secondary school.

Tutoring Support: When and Why Your Child May Need It

If your child’s report card indicates challenges in specific areas, tutoring can make a significant difference by targeted, personalized learning and building confidence.

How Can Tutoring Help?

✔ Provides one-on-one support tailored to your child’s specific needs.
✔ Strengthens competencies with targeted practice and strategies.
✔ Builds study skills and time management techniques.
✔ Supports students with special learning needs such as, ADHD, Dyslexia, and other learning challenges.

Signs Your Child May Need Tutoring

Repeatedly scoring low in the same competencies.

Teacher comments indicate difficulty grasping key concepts.

Struggles with homework, test-taking, or organization.

Shows frustration or anxiety about schoolwork.

How Connect Education Can Help

At Connect Education, we offer personalized tutoring with licensed teachers who understand Quebec’s curriculum and competency-based evaluations.

Why Parents Trust Connect Education:

✔ Certified Teachers: Not just tutors, but real educators who understand Quebec’s standards.
✔ Customized Learning Plans: Tailored instruction focusing on specific competencies.
✔ Flexible Scheduling: Online or in-person tutoring to fit your schedule.
✔ Support for All Subjects: Math, Science, French, English, Social Studies, and more.

Book a FREE assessment today at Connect-Education.com to set your child up for success.

Frequently asked questions

How are Quebec report cards graded?

Quebec uses a competency-based system. Each subject is broken into specific competencies, and each competency is evaluated separately and weighted. In Secondary Mathematics, for example, situational problem-solving is worth 30 percent and mathematical reasoning is worth 70 percent. Students receive three report cards a year, and the terms count for 20, 20 and 60 percent of the final mark, so the last term matters most. Teachers also add comments on strengths, challenges and progress.

What does a competency score on my child’s report card mean?

A competency score reflects how well your child has mastered a specific skill within a subject, not their overall ability. A child can excel in one competency, such as reading, while struggling in another, such as writing. Compare scores across terms to spot trends. If the same competency stays low across several report cards, that points to a learning gap worth raising with the teacher.

Do ministerial exams count on the Quebec report card?

Yes, in certain grades. Ministerial exams in elementary school and Secondary II count for 20 percent of the final mark for the competency evaluated. In Secondary IV and V, the exam and the school mark each count for 50 percent of the final result, and students need 60 percent or higher to pass the subject.

Quebec Report Cards: A Parent’s Guide to Competencies and Weightings

Read competency-based grades and weightings, and turn them into a clear support plan at home