Abstract* Background Grade management in Peruvian educational institutions faces significant challenges due to the widespread use of Excel spreadsheets, which often lead to delays, errors, and fragmented information during registration, consultation, and report card preparation processes. National studies indicate that implementing web-based systems can reduce procedural times by 50% to 80%, improving efficiency and collaboration among teachers and administrative staff. In this context, the present study aims to improve grade management at Colegio Nacional de Imperial through the development of a web-based application designed to enhance accuracy, speed, and reliability in academic management. Methods The system was developed using the Rational Unified Process (RUP), structured into four phases: inception, elaboration, construction, and transition. Requirements were analyzed, the system was designed and implemented using a relational database, and functionality was validated through testing. A quantitative pre-experimental design with pretest and posttest measurements was applied to evaluate performance improvements before full deployment. Results The implementation of the web system produced substantial improvements in key grade management processes. The Grade Registration Time (GRT) decreased by 70.14% (from 4,080 to 864 seconds). The Grade Search Time (GST) improved by 79.39%, increasing efficiency and precision in data retrieval. The Report Card Generation Time (RCGT) showed the most significant reduction, decreasing by 97.74% (from 434.5 to 9.83 seconds), considerably streamlining report generation and improving access to academic performance information. Conclusions The study demonstrates that a RUP-based web application significantly optimizes grade management in a rural secondary education context. The quantitative pre-experimental results confirm notable time reductions and improved information quality, highlighting the transformative potential of digital solutions in strengthening academic management processes in schools.
