Laude System
Starting with the graduating class of 2026, Berlin High School has implemented a Laude system to replace traditional class rank. The Laude system allows students to be recognized based on their academic achievements and rewards students who have taken courses of rigor and depth while in Berlin High School.
Students will earn 'Laude Points' for every 'Laude Course' that they pass (0.5 Laude point for 0.5 credit class). The Laude Course list is updated each year. In addition to the lists below, Laude Courses are denoted in the Course Registration Handbook. The course must be listed as a Laude Course on the year it was taken. Courses are put on the list based on staff input and curriculum review. Courses that carry a higher level of challenge or depth to the content are put on the list.
As students accumulate Laude Points, they can use their non-weighted, cumulative GPA to calculate a 'Laude Score'. The Laude Score is calculated by multiplying Laude Points by GPA. The Laude Score determines the level of distinction a student is awarded. Final Laude Scores are calculated after a student's 7th semester. There is a Laude Score Calculation Tool below.
Levels of Distinction:
Summa Cum Laude: Laude Score of 50 or more (Gold Cords)
Magna Cume Laude: Laude Score of 35-49.9 (Silver Cords)
Cum Laude: Laude Score of 20-34.9 (White Cords)
Laude Course Lists
Other Resources