The purpose of the District's class rank policy is to promote rigorous academic standards and prepare students for college, career, and life in a globally competitive economy. Class rank is used to determine District honors and awards and is submitted to colleges.

The District applies the same class rank calculation method and rules for local graduation honors to all students in a graduating class, regardless of the year a student first earned high school credit.

How Class Rank is Determined

Class rank is based on weighted GPAs earned in courses that satisfy a student’s graduation plan in these categories:

• English Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE)

If a student completes more courses than required within any of these categories, only the highest grades will be used in the class rank calculation. Class rank is updated at the end of each semester and represents a snapshot of a student’s academic standing at that point in time. Austin ISD begins calculating class rank in the spring semester of a student’s 10th-grade year. Grades from the current semester are not included in class rank calculations.

Comparative Rank

A comparative rank compares a student’s Rank GPA numerically to other students in the same grade level and school. Comparative class ranks are issued in the following circumstances:

• When a student transfers to a District high school from outside the District or from another District high school, their rank will be an interim ranking until the next rank is set.
• When a potential three-year graduate is reclassified to grade 12, their rank will be an interim ranking until the next rank is set.

Valedictorian & Salutatorian

The valedictorian and salutatorian are the students with the highest and second-highest class ranking, determined according to this policy, who have:

• Completed the Foundation High School Program with the distinguished level of achievement;
• Met all course requirements or demonstrated subject mastery (course proficiency) through state-approved placement examinations; and
• Been continuously enrolled in and attending classes at the same District high school for two regular school years immediately preceding graduation.

In the event of a tie for valedictorian, the students involved will be recognized as co-valedictorians, and the position of salutatorian will remain vacant. In the event of a tie for salutatorian, the students involved will be recognized as co-salutatorians.

GPA Calculation Definitions

Austin ISD calculates GPAs using multiple types, all based on a weighted 4.0 scale. Honors-level courses earn additional grade point weight.