Grade Point Average (GPA) Transition Overview
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Hillsborough County Public Schools is implementing a revised Grade Point Average (GPA) weighting scale/calculation model that is recognized universally by colleges and universities, to better prepare students for gaining admission to the postsecondary school of their choice. Any changes would not impact current high school students but begin with next year’s (2023) incoming 9th grade students.
Our current weighting of advanced coursework that is added to a students’ Grade Point Average results in unusually high GPAs. College and university admissions directors must recalculate the GPA of Hillsborough County Public Schools graduates to align with those of other students from across the state and the nation.
A realignment of students’ weighted GPAs would be more consistent with college admissions and most Florida districts, allowing for more informed and accurate postsecondary options. The new model will be easier to calculate, while encouraging students to focus on taking the most appropriate classes and earn the best grade possible.
Current middle school students with previously earned high school coursework would have the credit converted before entering 9th grade to the proposed new weighting scale/calculation model.
The district engaged with current and former students as well as parents, Principals, Assistant Principals, school counselors, and district curriculum experts from both middle and high schools to get their perspective on this transition.
New GPA Calculation Chart
GPA Transition Plan Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is the district making a change to the Grade Point Average weighting scale/calculation model?
Our current weighting of advanced coursework that is added to a students’ Grade Point Average results in unusually high GPAs. College and university admissions directors must recalculate the GPA of Hillsborough County Public Schools graduates to align with those of other students from across the state and the nation.
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Is this new Grade Point Average weighting scale/calculation model the standard across the nation?
Yes, this new model is recognized universally by colleges and universities as part of their GPA admissions requirements.
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Will this affect previously earned high school credit coursework completed by current middle school students?
Yes, beginning with incoming 9th graders (Fall 2023), all previously earned high school credit coursework completed in middle school would be converted to the new weighting scale/calculation model.
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Who did the district consult with before making this change?
A panel of educational experts – Principals, Assistant Principals, school counselors, and district curriculum experts from both middle and high school – were selected to engage in this work. In addition, current and former students and parents also provided input to ensure this process was most representative of all stakeholders.
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How will this change benefit students?
- The current GPA weighting scale/calculation model can result in an unusually high GPA, often creating a false sense of confidence for students hoping to gain admission to colleges.
- The new GPA weighting scale/calculation model is more in line with GPA admissions requirements at colleges and universities.
- In addition, this practice often encourages students to enroll in excessive online courses to achieve inflated GPAs, resulting in stressful and unhealthy learning habits and mental health concerns in the race for Val/Sal. - By changing our current GPA weighting scale, we believe it will alleviate the stress that many of our students have developed over the years in their quest to achieve a higher GPA.
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Will the new GPA weighting scale impact current high school students (Class of 2024, 2025, 2026)?
No, Any student currently in high school (as of May 2023) will not be impacted.
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Will Valedictorian and Salutatorian still be used as a graduation distinction?
Yes, The district will still utilize Val & Sal distinctions at all graduation ceremonies, but is excited to implement a new graduation recognition, beginning with students entering high school in August 2023 or later:
- Students will be recognized by the following weighted GPA distinctions: cum laude: 3.0, magna cum laude: 3.5, summa cum laude: 4.0+. This “graduate with distinction” designation will be noted in the graduation program and may be recognized with an additional honor cord or stole during the ceremony.
- The third quarter GPA report will be utilized to identify graduates with distinction (cum laude: 3.0, magna cum laude: 3.5, summa cum laude: 4.0+).
