Requirements for Academic Awards of Distinction

Seniors attending Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) are ranked based on the weighted cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) achieved in all coursework taken in high school. Class rank is recorded on the high school transcript and is acknowledged in academic awards. Only full-time diploma-bound students are included in the ranking. A full-time student is one who is enrolled in a CCPS high school for four or more periods during the school day. Students participating in Early Graduation are not ranked and not eligible for certain awards of distinction.

To determine rank, credits transferred in from outside the CCPS system are weighted according to the CCPS weighted scale.

The cumulative GPA is the average of all final grades earned in high school or high school credits earned in middle school, rounded to the hundred-thousandths place.

In addition to the high school diploma, students may be awarded a Charles County Certificate of Merit. This recognition is based on a student’s weighted cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher with no failing final grades during the high school years.

In addition to pursuing the high school diploma, students may wish to participate in the CCPS Scholars Course of Study. Within the 23 credits required for graduation, students enrolled in high school for 4 years must:

1. Earn 18 advanced credits which must include:
   • 4 English (Honors, Advanced Placement)
   • 3 Lab Sciences (Honors, Advanced Placement)
   • 3 Social Studies (Honors, Advanced Placement)
   • 4 Mathematics—taken in grades 9 through 12 (at least 3 must be Honors or Advanced Placement)
   • 3 World Languages—at least two in the same language (Credit can be awarded based on successful completion of designated high school level World Language courses taken during middle school.)
   • 1 additional advanced course (Honors, Advanced Placement)
2. Achieve a cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.5 (weighted)

Students who complete the academically rigorous CCPS Scholars Course of Study are formally recognized in the following ways:

1. Statement on report card and final transcript;
2. Medallion at graduation ceremony; and
3. Recognition in graduation program and senior awards night.

More information about the CCPS Scholars Course of Study is available through school counseling offices.

Maryland high school students may earn Endorsements that will appear on their official transcripts. Endorsements recognize the completion of specialized coursework and achievement in specific areas of study, helping students stand out in college admissions and career pathways.

Endorsements are aligned with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and COMAR §13A.03.02.09 requirements. They serve as formal acknowledgments of a student’s skills, knowledge, and readiness in targeted fields.

Examples of Endorsements include:

• Career and Technical Education (CTE) – awarded to students who complete a program of study and earn an industry-recognized credential or apprenticeship experience.
• Seal of Biliteracy – awarded to students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language.
• Arts & Humanities, STEM, Business & Industry, Public Services, and Multidisciplinary Studies – awarded based on completion of specific pathways within these fields.

These endorsements provide students with a competitive edge and a personalized record of achievement that supports post-secondary goals.

The Maryland State Department of Education has partnered with the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education to acknowledge students who have completed a course of study that is beyond the basic requirements for graduation. Students are designated as Maryland Scholars by completing the following requirements:

• 4 credits of English
• 4 credits of Math (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II
• 3 credits of Lab Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics (preferred)
• 3 credits of Social Science, U.S. History, World History, Government
• 2 credits of the same World Language

Students must attain a 3.0 weighted cumulative GPA to qualify.

Students may be awarded an Academic Letter when they have a weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher with no D or F grades for three consecutive quarters during the same school year. See individual school handbooks for more details.