Students Petition For Return Of Class Rank System

August 21, 2025 4:59 am

CONNELLSVILLE, Pa. — (WPXI) – The decision to eliminate class rank at Connellsville Area Senior High School was made two years ago. It goes into effect with this year’s graduating class of 2026. But those incoming seniors don’t want to lose the class rank system and are urging the board to change its mind. The district said the decision was made in 2023 after a full year of research and public input. Superintendent Rich Evans said the board found eliminating class rank wouldn’t hurt college admissions, awards or scholarships. Instead of class rank, the district has moved to a cum laude system to honor more than just the top 10. The cum laude title requires a 3.8 GPA. Magna cum laude requires a 4.0 with at least two AP classes, and summa cum laude requires a 4.15 GPA with four AP classes.