Valedictorian & Salutatorian Requirements

Effective through the Graduation Class of 2026

The Board believes the Valedictorian and Salutatorian must represent the very best students RISE Charter School has each year in the graduating class. The following constitutes the policy to be followed annually in determining the Valedictorian and Salutatorian.

Requirements

1. Valedictorian

The Valedictorian shall be the student(s) with the highest grade point average (GPA), calculated using the 4-point standard unweighted grading scale at the conclusion of the final semester of the senior year. To be considered for Valedictorian, a student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher. If more than one student has the highest GPA, multiple valedictorians shall be recognized. A student who has applied for and been approved to graduate early in accordance with the terms of Policy 2710 may be considered for Valedictorian recognition, including students graduating as a Junior.

2. Salutatorian

The Salutatorian shall be the student(s) with the second-highest grade point average (GPA), calculated using the 4-point standard unweighted grading scale at the conclusion of the final semester of the senior year. To be considered for Salutatorian, a student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. If more than one student has the second-highest GPA, multiple salutatorians shall be recognized. A student who has applied for and been approved to graduate early in accordance with the terms of Policy 2710 may be considered for Salutatorian recognition, including students graduating as a Junior.

3. Grading Scale

An unweighted 4-point grading scale will be used to file transcript grades and to communicate with colleges and universities. In addition:

Pass/Fail courses are not included;
Transfer grades are included

4. Eligibility

a. Enrolled at the school for at least 2 consecutive semesters prior to graduation (or
2+ years, depending on board preference);

b. On track to meet all graduation requirements;

c. No major academic integrity violations;

d. The valedictorian to be in good disciplinary standing. Significant disciplinary infractions—like suspensions or repeated behavioral issues—may disqualify a student. The board will determine if a student is in good disciplinary standing.

5. Timeline

a. Honors will be announced one week before graduation

Additional Provisions

Transfer students may request a transcript review to assess eligibility for Valedictorian status.
A Valedictorian candidate involved in a major disciplinary infraction may have their status reviewed by school administration and/or the School Board.
The School Board may take action up to and including revocation of Valedictorian or Salutatorian status.

Policy History: