Academics » Cum Laude Society

Cum Laude Society

The Cum Laude Society—Latin for “with great praise”—recognizes those seniors who have excelled in the classroom through seven semesters of high school.
 
Why a Change?
The process for Cum Laude eligibility and criteria at all CJUHSD schools was different. This created a system that was challenging to support as well as confusion among parents and students, particularly if students moved between schools. This new policy also supports nationally-recognized levels of the Cum Laude recognition.
 
Cum Laude Distinctions
• Students who earn a weighted cumulative GPA of 3.5-3.74 will be awarded Cum Laude
• Students who earn a weighted cumulative GPA of 3.75-4.0 will be awarded Magna Cum Laude
• Students who earn a weighted cumulative GPA of 4.1 and above will earn Summa Cum Laude
 
Courses designated as college preparatory, honors, and AP will count towards a student’s qualifying GPA (PE and elective courses will also count).
 
Recognition
Members of the Cum Laude Society will be recognized in the following ways:
• their names will be noted on the Commencement program
• they will receive a graduation sash
• Cum Laude will be printed on the diploma and transcript
• they will receive a certificate at the Senior Awards Program
• they will be invited to audition to be a speaker at Commencement
 
Application Process and Eligibility
• NO application is required. A list of qualifying students will be queried at the end of the 1st semester of senior year
• Grades of “D” or “F” must be remediated even if the GPA meets criteria for Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Summa Cum Laude.
• The administration reserves the right to review any unusual circumstances and to make decisions relative to membership in the society
• Consideration will be given to students who earn modified grades (as determined by their IEP or 504 plans) and who meet all other eligibility criteria
 
*The new Cum Laude Society criteria is intended for the class of 2023 and thereafter*
 
Revised 2/2020