Weighted GPA and Class Rank Update – FAQ (EIC Local)

Q1: What is the new weighted grade point average (GPA) and class rank policy?

The district has updated its weighted grade point scales to reflect three categories of courses: advanced, honors, and regular on-level. This change shifts GPA calculation from a 6-point to a 5-point weighted scale.  Board policy reference: EIC Local - Academic Achievement:  Class Ranking

Q2: Why did the District make this change?

The updated policy promotes fairness and recognizes students who pursue rigorous coursework. It allows students enrolled in advanced classes to earn higher GPAs and class ranks. The change supports academic excellence, and provides clarity by simplifying weighted grade point categories.

Q3: How do weighted grade points affect class rank?

Class rank is determined using GPAs calculated with weighted grade points, ensuring that both academic rigor and performance are accurately reflected.  Students who take more rigorous classes—like Advanced or Honors—can earn higher grade points for the same numeric grade.  Class ranks are updated at the end of each school year for all students, and again after the first semester for seniors.

Q4: Which courses earn premium grade points and which courses do not?

• Advanced courses (e.g., AP, IB, and designated college dual credit) earn grade points on the 5-point scale.
• Honors courses (e.g., Pre-AP, designated college dual credit, and honors) earn grade points on the 4.5-point scale.
• On-level courses earn regular grade points on the 4-point scale.  

A list of advanced and honors courses and their corresponding grade points is available in the High School Course Guide.  Any credits earned prior to the first year of high school do not earn grade points.

Q5: Will past course grades be recalculated under the new policy?

All course grades earned while in high school have been reassigned grade points using the new 5-point weighted system and GPAs are now recalculated on the 5-point weighted grade point scale.  Due to the change, most students should expect to see a one-point drop in their GPA based on the new scale.

Q6: Why did my GPA change differently than expected when the district moved from a 6-point to a 5-point GPA scale?

While most students experienced a one-point decrease in GPA due to the scale change, some saw different results. This variation could be contributed to one or more of the following factors:

• Credits earned before 9th grade were erroneously included in GPA calculations, affecting the overall average.  Per Board Policy, any high school credits earned prior to the first day of high school do not earn corresponding grade points.
• Summer school courses taken in prior years are now included in students’ records and part of GPA calculations.
• Summer courses taken after the last class rank update in June 2025 are now included in the GPA, changing the cumulative total.

Q7: How can students and families view updated GPA and class rank?

Updated GPAs will be available in the Skyward student portal and reflected on official transcripts by September 15, 2025.  New class ranks for seniors will be posted in the Skyward student portal in January 2026.  New class ranks for underclassmen will be posted in the Skyward student portal in June 2026.

Q8: How will this change affect current seniors who have already applied to college and scholarships?

Seniors who have already submitted college or scholarship applications using their previous GPA and rank may need to notify those institutions to update their GPA information.  Transcripts will carry this footnote:  PISD Weighted GPA scale changed from 6.0 to 5.0 beginning with the 2025–2026 academic year.

Q9: Who can I contact for more information?

Students and their families may contact their school counselor with questions about the new weighted grade point and class rank policy, EIC Local - Academic Achievement:  Class Ranking.

Revised September 15, 2025