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Latin Honors System

***The Latin Honors System will begin with the 2026-2027 school year, with the Class of 2027.***

A Latin Honor System allows PCHS to recognize academic rigor and high achievement through graduation honors.

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
The system of weighted grades and ranking is outdated and inequitable. Students have the opportunity to take a multitude of classes, including concurrent enrollment and college coursework, which should be recognized and encouraged. Click for more info.

RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE
College Admissions officers report that they evaluate students using an unweighted GPA and do their own evaluation for rigor. Research shows class ranking creates unhealthy competition and is unnecessary in the college admissions process. Click for more info.

DETAILS
Starting in the Fall of 2026, PCHS will no longer weight grades or provide class rank. Students who qualify for Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude or Cum Laude status will be recognized at graduation. Speakers will be chosen from the Summa Cum Laude group. Click for more info.

COMMUNICATION AND TRANSITION PLAN
Students who previously earned added GPA weight will retain it on their transcript, but no more weight will be added. Colleges will be notified during the application process of our transition plan and our new Latin Honors System process. Click for more info.

How will the Latin Honors System work?

Honor Distinctions and their GPA/Honor Points ranges:

  • Summa Cum Laude = 3.950 GPA +15 honor points (Red/White/Silver graduation cord), recipients may apply to speak at graduation
  • Magna Cum Laude = 3.750 GPA +10 honor points (White/Gold graduation cord)
  • Cum Laude = 3.500 GPA +5 honor points (Gold graduation cord)

What qualifies for Honor Points:

  • 1 honor point for each completed and passed AP Course.
  • 1 honor point for each completed and passed CE Core Subject Course (World Language, Science, English, Social Studies, Math)
  • 1 honor point for each completed and passed college-level course as reported on an official college transcript. The transcript must be sent to PCHS directly from the college; it will not be accepted from a student or parent.
  • The entire course must be completed and passed. If the course was dropped or a quarter failed, it does not count.
  • Repeated courses only count once.
  • AP Courses that are also CE eligible only count once (AP Stats, AP Bio, AP Enviro, for example).
  • Online courses and transfer students: AP and CE/college level courses will count if designated as such on the other school's official transcript. The transcript must be sent to PCHS directly from the school; it will not be accepted from a student or parent.

Tracking Calculator:

Students can use this Latin Honors System Calculator to track their eligibility.  The official calculation for graduation recognition will be completed by school administrators and counselors at the end of Q3 senior year (senior year in progress classes will be included).