The state of North Carolina made changes to the quality points awarded for Honors, AP, and dual-enrollment classes beginning with the class of 2019 and after. The result of these changes is that there is now a much smaller range of possible Grade Point Averages than for previous cohorts. The result of a narrower possible range is that many students have ties in GPA, especially in 9th and 10th grade. Because class rank is based on GPA, tied GPAs have caused ties in class rank as well. When students are tied in rank, our state-wide student information system pushes the ranks behind the tie back. For example, if there are 5 students tied at #1, the next student, who technically has the second highest GPA in the class, is now #6 in rank. Many students' current class ranks are much lower in number than what is displayed on their transcripts as it pertains to actual rank order. The ranking system is determined by the state and other schools across our state use the same process.

 

We realize the challenges that come with recognizing students by class rank, and we are currently looking into and advocating for alternative ways to recognize our students' academic performance. We are proud of ALL of our students and their hard work, and we look forward to continuing to support our students in achieving their academic, personal, and career goals.