Beginning with the class of 2021, Garfield Heights
High School will transition to the Latin (or Cum Laude) System to
recognize its top graduating seniors. We are making this change after a
thorough investigation of similar policies in area school districts.
Since this change will begin with the incoming freshmen class, no
changes will be made for the current sophomore, junior or senior
classes.
The incoming freshmen will follow the Latin System outlined below:
- Cum Laude, meaning “with honor,” students will have earned a GPA between a 3.5-3.74;
- Magna Cum Laude, meaning with great honor,” students will have earned a GPA between 3.75-3.99;
- Summa Cum Laude, meaning “with highest honors,” students will have earned a GPA above 4.0.
By
adopting the Latin System (or cum laude system), our intent is to raise
academic rigor and provide a system where a greater number of high
school scholars are recognized and celebrated for their hard work and
academic focus.
For a number of reasons, shifting to a cum
laude system is in the best interest of all students, especially
high-achieving students.
For a number of reasons,
shifting to a cum laude system is in the best interest of all students,
especially high-achieving students.
-
Students are more inclined to pursue coursework in areas of passion
(i.e. theater, arts, Career Technical Education or music) without fear
of negatively impacting their class rank.
- More of the district’s high achieving students are recognized for their cumulative academics.
- High-achieving
students are more likely to select the CCP/AP/Honors curriculum without
fear of harming their standing in class rank, which ultimately better
prepares them for their post-secondary experience.
As
always our guidance department and administrative staff will be
available to answer questions as we transition to the Cum Laude system.