Graduation Honors and Academic Recognition

Beginning with the graduating Class of 2027, RISE Charter School will no longer designate a Valedictorian or Salutatorian.

Instead, RISE will recognize graduating students for their individual academic achievements through honors designations established by the school.

This decision reflects the Board's commitment to the following principles:

Recognizing Individual Achievement: Academic success should be measured by a student's demonstrated accomplishments rather than their ranking relative to classmates.
Ensuring Fairness in Small Graduating Classes: Because RISE has relatively small graduating classes, minor differences in grade point averages can disproportionately influence class rankings. A single course or grading difference may determine a student's standing without meaningfully reflecting differences in academic ability or achievement.
Supporting Diverse Academic Pathways: RISE offers students opportunities to pursue individualized learning experiences, including dual credit, advanced coursework, career and technical education, and other pathways. Traditional GPA rankings may not equitably reflect the rigor or diversity of these educational experiences.
Encouraging Academic Excellence Without Competition: RISE seeks to foster a school culture in which students are motivated by personal growth, academic achievement, and preparation for future success rather than competition for a limited number of titles.
Celebrating Multiple Forms of Excellence: The Board believes academic achievement, perseverance, leadership, service, and contributions to the school community are all worthy of recognition.

Academic Honors

RISE Charter School may recognize graduating students using the following academic distinctions:

Academic Honor

Cumulative GPA

Summa Cum Laude (Highest Honors)

Magna Cum Laude (High Honors)

3.90-4.0
3.70–3.89

Cum Laude (Honors)

3.50–3.69

Honors will be determined using the school's established GPA calculation procedures.

All students meeting the applicable criteria will receive recognition, regardless of the number of students qualifying.

Graduation Ceremony

Student speakers at graduation will be selected through a process established by school administration rather than automatically determined by class rank. Selection may consider academic achievement, leadership, character, school involvement, and the student's ability to represent the graduating class.

Effective Date

This policy shall take effect with the graduating Class of 2027 and shall supersede previous provisions establishing Valedictorian and Salutatorian designations.