While no class at SPA is inherently easy, students who are willing to push themselves to accept the rigorous curriculum and added coursework of honors classes deserve a reward.

SPA’s current grading system is the same for honors and non-honors courses. Weighted GPAs are not available to any student, regardless of which classes they are enrolled in. This means that despite being more time intensive and difficult, AP or honors-level classes are worth the same amount as a class that is part of the mandatory curriculum.

According to the Glossary of Education Reform, “Weighted grades deservedly reward students who take tougher courses, recognize higher levels of academic accomplishment, and provide a more fair or balanced system of grading in schools with multiple academic tracks.”

In addition to leveling the playing-field, a weighted grading scale serves as a buffer for more difficult coursework. Many students who elect not to take honors-level classes choose to do so for the fear of “ruining” their GPA, and this decision limits their access to challenge.

With a weighted grading scale in place, students are given an incentive to push themselves to go beyond what is expected without the threat of a declining grade point average.

Weighted grading systems also come into play in the college enrollment process. Honors courses and a weighted GPA could allow high-achieving students a better chance at admission to more selective universities, and could grant access to academic scholarships. A weighted GPA is an indication that the student is willing to cover and is extremely capable of college-level material.

At SPA, honors courses are not available in the humanities, but many students have worked their way into high level science and math classes as well as senior seminars. While all classes at SPA are rigorous and appropriately challenge the students enrolled in them, students involved in particularly high level courses, or those in classes ahead of their grade level, deserve a reward for their hard work.