Starting with the class of 2026, Des Moines Public Schools will replace class rank recognitions at graduation with an honors system. The Cum Laude system identifies individual achievement, rather than comparing students to one another. With three levels of achievement, Cum Laude also recognizes more students.

Historically, Des Moines Public Schools numerically ranked students at the end of their senior year by comparing cumulative Grade Point Averages (GPAs). This information was documented on student transcripts and could be used in letters of recommendation for post-secondary opportunities. The Cum Laude honors system may be used in the same ways as class rank.

The cum laude distinctions are reserved for students who have earned a minimum GPA of 3.6+ (unweighted) and 3.7+ (weighted). Three honors classifications will account for both the unweighted and weighted GPA (Grade Point Average).

WHY THE CHANGE?
DMPS leadership examined the options and determined the cum laude system is a more modern approach to honoring graduates, and a better fit for our students. The change will have a positive impact on social and emotional wellbeing, more students will be recognized for their academic achievements, and there will be little to no impact on scholarship or college admissions eligibility.

IMPACT ON SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
Studies have shown that it is healthier for students to focus inward when striving for excellence, rather than comparing their achievements to those of others. Students who compete only with themselves tend to be more highly organized, strategic and effective students. They are not derailed by what others accomplish, suffer less anxiety, and are more likely to reach out for help when they need it.

IMPACT ON VALEDICTORIAN & SALUTATORIAN
Class rank is re-calculated at the end of senior year for purposes of naming a salutatorian and valedictorian. These designations and honors can still be calculated without the formal use of class rank using weighted GPAs.

POST-SECONDARY SELECTIVITY
Class rank is one piece in a body of evidence that may describe a student’s readiness for the next stage in their lives, as are standardized test scores, grades, rigor of course load, resilience, executive functioning skills, and many other criteria. According to annual surveys of colleges conducted by the NACAC (National Association of College Admissions Counseling), the importance of rank on college admissions has declined significantly since 1993. The most recent survey released indicates that class rank is of “considerable importance” to only 9% of colleges in 2018, down from 14% in 2014. Most post-secondary institutions consider the broader portfolio of evidence in a student’s profile.

IMPACT ON SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY
As the trend across the country continues to move away from calculation of class rank, so to have colleges when it comes to consider class rank for scholarship eligibility. Most post-secondary programs have set their criteria to be based upon GPA, SAT/ACT, and other criteria relevant to the institution or the benefactor.

IOWA BOARD OF REGENTS STATEMENT (August 2022):
In recent years, several Iowa high school districts have moved away from providing class rank. Several years ago, because of the increasing number of districts that were eliminating class rank, the Regent Admission Index – a formula that determines automatic admission to Iowa’s Public Universities – removed class rank as a required element of that formula. Class rank is also not required during holistic review for admissions, although all elements of a student’s academic record are considered.

Click here to read more about the research behind this decision.