Calculating GPA

Hingham High School uses a 4.0 weighted GPA based on the college preparatory level. Only leveled courses in the 5 major subject areas (English, social studies, math, science and foreign language) are included in the calculation of GPA. GPA is calculated for all students who enter Hingham High School prior to their senior year.  Grades from previous schools will be included in the GPA.  All leveled courses are included in the calculation of GPA. Hingham High School does not rank students. However, the two seniors with the highest GPA are designated class valedictorian and salutatorian. 


GPA for the class of 2019 and beyond

Mark
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
Level1-AP
5.3
5
4.7
4.3
4
3.7
3.3
3
2.7
2.3
2
1.7
Level 2-Honors
4.8
4.5
4.2
3.8
3.5
3.2
2.8
2.5
2.2
1.8
1.5
1.2
Level 3-Coll. Prep
4.3
4
3.7
3.3
3
2.7
2.3
2
1.7
1.3
1
0.7
Level 4-Standard
3.8
3.5
3.2
2.8
2.5
2.2
1.8
1.5
1.2
0.8
0.5
0.2
CLASS RANK
Hingham High School does not rank students nor does it provide colleges or universities with class rank information.  Designations of class valedictorian and salutatorian will be awarded to the two seniors with the highest grade point averages.  Students who are not enrolled at HHS for the final four consecutive semesters of high school (all of junior and senior years) will not be considered for these designations.  Class valedictorian and salutatorian will be selected after the seniors' final grades have been established.  Hingham's system of calculating grade point averages (GPA) is derived from the guidelines of the National Association of Secondary School Principals.  A student's GPA is cumulative, and it is computed at the end of the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth semesters.  The GPA is based upon the weighted averages of all leveled courses in the five major academic areas (English, history, math, science and foreign language) completed while in attendance at HHS as well as all Advanced Placement courses.  Students transferring into HHS will be given the options of including grades earned at the previous high school(s) in the calculation of the student's GPA.

Hingham High School eliminated class rank beginning with the 2004-05 school year.  This came after much research, discussion, and reflection, by the School Counseling Department at Hingham High School.  The department made several recommendations to the high school principal regarding class rank and related policies.  On behalf of the School Counseling Department, the Director of School Counseling compiled this report based on information gathered from parents, students, and professional educators including high school counselors, department directors, administrators, and college and university admissions representatives.  In order for parents, students, school committee members, staff, and administration to fully understand the scope of class rank, the  results of this report are presented in a question-and-answer format.