3450 Class Rankings

Class ranking is a method of measuring academic performance. The Wilkes County Board of Education also recognizes other means of evaluating student achievement, including grade point average, courses completed, the rigor of the curriculum, results of tests and assessments, and recommendation letters.

High school principals shall provide for the compilation of class rankings to be listed on the student transcripts and may make class rank information available periodically to students and their parents or guardians. While the board encourages broad means of recognizing student achievement, high school principals shall not use class rank to designate a valedictorian or salutatorian. Beginning with the graduating class of 2019, high school principals shall designate the following senior honors:

Students with a 3.5-3.99 weighted grade point average shall receive the distinction of cum laude
Students with a 4.00-4.249 weighted grade point average shall receive the distinction of magna cum laude
Students with 4.25 or higher weighted grade point average shall receive the distinction of summa cum laude

Principals shall ensure that class ranking is computed in accordance with State Board of Education Policy GCS-L-004. The superintendent and principal shall ensure that students and parents receive adequate notice as to how class rank is calculated and shall provide written procedures on how students with equal grades, or grades that may be perceived as equal, will be treated. Nothing in this policy provides a student with any legal entitlement to a particular class rank or title.

Legal References: G.S. 115C-47, -81, -276, -288 G.S. 116-11 (10a)

Cross References: Goals and Objectives of the Educational Program (policy 3000), Recognizing Excellence (policy 3440), Parental Involvement (policy 1310/4002)

Adopted: January 9, 2006

Revised: December 4, 2017