Class Rank Policy and Calculation
Purpose of Class Rank
The purpose of the LBJ Early College High School class rank policy is to promote high academic standards and to support student readiness for college, career, and life in a competitive global environment. Class rank is used to determine district honors and recognitions and is reported to colleges and universities as part of the official high school transcript.
Class rank is determined by ordering students based on their Rank Grade Point Average (Rank GPA), calculated from weighted grades earned in courses that fulfill graduation plan requirements.
Courses Included in Class Rank
Only courses completed within the following curriculum areas are used to calculate class rank:
• English Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
Understanding Class Rank Timing
Class rank reflects a snapshot of a student academic record at a specific point in time. Because transcripts are updated as grades are finalized, dual credit courses are posted, and approved outside credits are added, grade averages may change throughout the year.
Once class rank is established for a semester, it remains unchanged until the next official ranking period. Austin ISD begins calculating class rank during the spring semester of a student tenth grade year. After that point, class rank is recalculated after each completed semester. Grades from the current, ongoing semester are not used in class rank calculations.
How Class Rank Is Calculated
Class rank at LBJ ECHS is determined using a student Rank GPA, which is calculated using only the approved course categories listed above.
Rank GPA Calculation
• Each semester course earns weighted grade points based on the final semester average.
• Honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and eligible dual credit courses receive additional weight according to the Austin ISD grading scale.
• All weighted grade points are added together to determine the student total weighted grade points.
• The total weighted grade points are divided by the total number of credits attempted to produce the Rank GPA.
• Rank GPA is used to determine a student position within the graduating class.
GPA Scales Used at LBJ ECHS
Austin ISD uses a weighted 4.0 GPA scale. Advanced level courses receive higher grade point values.
The following GPA values may appear on a student transcript:
• Cumulative GPA (Weighted 4.0 Scale)
• Unweighted GPA (4.0 Scale)
• Rank GPA (Weighted 4.0 Scale)
Each GPA serves a different purpose, but only the Rank GPA is used to determine class rank.
