The Latin Honor System will be replacing class rank at Essex High School beginning with the graduating class of 2009.  Instead of students being ranked by their grade point average (GPA), students will have the opportunity to earn three levels of academic achievement:

Summa Cum Laude for those earning a 97 GPA or higher

Magna Cum Laude for those students earning a 95 GPA or higher

Cum Laude for students earning a 93 GPA or higher

Transcripts will convey and define the level of distinction a student has achieved.  The school profile, which is sent along with transcripts to college admission offices, has been modified to reflect the changes.  It will indicate how many Essex High School students have achieved the level of Latin honor system recognition.  It also includes a graph with the GPA distribution for the graduating class so that colleges are able to determine the academic strength of the student in relation to peers.  All of the students achieving the level of Summa, Magna and Cum Laude will be recognized at graduation.

Within Chittenden County, Burlington High School, Champlain Valley Union High School and South Burlington High School have discontinued class rank.  Other area high schools are in the process of discussing moving in the same direction.

Last updated: Aug 25 2009 at 11:24 am