Tacoma Public Schools is launching a new Web-based system that will allow both students and parents to check student grades, assignments, attendance records and other information.

The district has for several years offered a system that made limited information available online. But the new system, dubbed Home Access Center (HAC), promises more and is more user-friendly, according to district officials.

Families of high school students, for example, should be able to see a student’s daily schedule, daily assignments due, attendance, progress reports, report cards and transcripts. All students and parents should be able to see a student’s test scores, grades, assignments and attendance record.

District Director of Instructional Technology Michael Farmer said parents should see a link for HAC on the district’s home page, www.tacoma.k12.wa.us, beginning Monday Oct. 1 Each school will send parents a letter outlining the new system, along with their password and username.

Wilson and Foss high schools helped pilot the program, Farmer said. Some schools will offer parents without home computer access a chance to use school computers to check on their child’s progress.