A student’s grade point average (GPA) will be computed in the normal way as follows:

To calculate the GPA for a given semester, total the Quality Points (QP) earned for the grade in each class.  Divide this sum by the number of classes taken.  For example, if a student had 4 graded classes and earned two “A’s” and two “B’s,” the calculation would be 4 +4 +3 +3 = 14 Total Quality Points which, when divided by four total classes, yields a semester GPA of 3.5.

If a student takes an Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment (DE) (even if community college enrollment was not completed), or Mountain Vista Governor's School (MVGS) course, each grade is worth more QP; however, MVGS courses which are not AP, DE, or do not have a comparable weighted course at John Handley High School will not be weighted.  Using the previous example, if the first “A” was in an AP/DE course and the last “B” was in an AP/DE course, the calculation would be 4.5 +4 +3 +3.5 = 15 Total Quality Points. When divided by four classes, this total yields a semester GPA of 3.75.  If the student took the AP exam, the calculation would be 5 +4 +3 +4 = 16 Total Quality Points.  When divided by four classes, this total yields a semester GPA of 4.0.

If a course is weighted at 4.5 or 5.0 for an “A”, the weight is reflected in the course title.  To receive full weighted credit for an AP course, the student must take the associated AP exam.  Students enrolled in AP courses who elect not to take the associated AP exam will be awarded .5 quality points. 

Academic Honors

Students are eligible for the following academic honors based upon a cumulative grade point average.  Students must meet the requirements set forth for a standard or advanced studies diploma.

• Summa Cum Laude (Graduate with Highest Honors) – Students with a grade point average of 4.0 and above.

• Magna Cum Laude (Graduate with High Honors) – Students with a grade point average between 3.75 – 3.99.

• Cum Laude (Graduate with Honors) - Students with a grade point of 3.50-3.74 will receive recognition prior to graduation.

Repeating Courses

Students may repeat a course to earn credit and/or enhance their skills. Both the original and repeat courses and grades will appear on the student’s transcript. The original course grade will not be factored into the student’s grade point average (GPA), while the grade from the repeated course will be included in the GPA calculation.

Transfer Students

• If a particular grade is weighted at the school from which a student transfers, and Winchester Public Schools weights the grade for the same course, the transferred grade will be weighted.

• If a particular grade is weighted at the school from which a student transfers, but Winchester Public Schools does not weight the grade for the same course, the transferred grade will not be weighted.

• If a course is noted as an Advanced Placement or Dual Enrollment course, and the same course is weighted in Winchester Public Schools, the grade will be weighted even if the other division did not weight the course.

• If a course is not weighted and is not noted as an AP or DE course, the grade will not be weighted.

• In any case,in which the appropriate GPA weight for a transfer course is unclear, the Superintendent's designee will research the content and rigor of the course in question and will determine the weight of the course.

• Grades from transfer students will be converted to align with Winchester Public Schools' grading scale.