Graduation Requirements

  • NC Course of Study Requirements:

     

    Students entering the ninth grade in 2009-2010 or later must follow the Future Ready Course of Study to receive a NC high school diploma. 

     

    Information regarding specific courses offered at South Point High School, course descriptions, and requirements can be found in the GCS High School Curriculum Guide.

     End of Course (EOC) Test Requirements:

     

    Students must earn passing scores on three essential end of course tests: Biology, English 10, and Algebra I.

     

    Earn 28 credits as required by local standards set forth by the аæèßäapp County Board of Education

     

    ACADEMIC INFORMATION

     

     High School Grades

     GCS high school grades are as follows (students entering 9th grade in 2015-16):

    A = 90 – 100

    B = 80 – 89

    C = 70 – 79

    D = 60 - 69

    F = Below 60      

    Lowest passing grade is 60

     

    GCS high school grading will be based on:

     

    Tests/Major Projects

    60%

    Daily/Class Grades

    20%

    Homework

    20%

     

     Rank In Class

     

    Each student is ranked by grade level at the end of each semester.  A student’s grade point average is calculated using a weighted 4.0 scale. The Valedictorian and Salutatorian will be determined by the final rank based on cumulative weighted GPA at the end of the senior year. Junior Marshals will be selected on class rank using the cumulative weighted GPA calculated during the 5th 6-week grading period of the junior year.

     

     

     Weighted Grade Point Average (GPA) Scale (Students entering 9th grade 2015-16 and beyond)

     

    Regular Courses

     

    A = 4

    Honors & AP Prep

     

    A = 4.5

    Advanced Placement & College Classes

     

    A = 5

    B = 3

    B = 3.5

    B = 4

    C = 2

    D = 1

    C = 2.5

    D = 1.5

    C = 3

    D = 2

    F = 0

    F = 0

    F = 0

     

     Honor Graduates

    GCS seniors are eligible for graduation honors based on their final cumulative weighted GPA:

    Summa cum laude – 4.3+ (gold tassel at graduation, red honor stole)

    Magna cum laude – 4.0 – 4.299 (red tassel at graduation, red honor stole)

    Cum laude – 3.7 – 3.99 (white tassel at graduation, red honor stole)

      

     Promotion and Graduation Requirements

     

    To be a Sophomore:    6 units

    To be a Junior:          13 units

    To be a Senior:          20 units

    To Graduate:             28 units, completion of Course of Study, & EOC testing requirements   

    Students earning senior status with the possibility to graduate can be moved up to 12th grade at the beginning of the second semester.  Underclassmen will be moved up to the following grade after the end of second semester.  Adjustments will be made for those students who transfer in from a six or seven period day.

     

    North Carolina Academic Scholars

     

    Students who seek the Future Ready Course of Study may also earn NC Academic Scholars Distinction. This distinction requires additional coursework and a final unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Students who qualify for this honor receive an honor sticker on their diploma. Click here for more information about the NC Academic Scholars Program.

     

    UNC Minimum Admission Requirements

     

    To enroll in any of the 16 public colleges or universities in NC, you must meet the NC graduation requirements and meet the UNC Minimum Admission Requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT score.  The minimum high school cumulative weighted GPA is 2.5.  The minimum SAT score is 800 (OLD) / 880 (NEW) and the minimum ACT composite score is 17.

     

    Minimum Course Load

     

    The state of North Carolina and Gaston County Schools require that all students take four courses daily each semester. Students are expected to attend all four classes even if the student does not need the class to meet graduation requirements. Early release/late arrival will only be permitted for seniors with hardship cases or special circumstances. Early release/late arrival may comprise a student for disability, social security benefits, child support, and other services. Early release/Late arrival without authorization will result in disciplinary action.

     

    Class Restrictions

     

    South Point has courses that require special skills, prerequisites, or are limited in class size by law due to safety guidelines. Course availability, grade level, and graduation requirements may also be used for selection of a specific course.

     

    Special Needs

     

    In addition to the regular curriculum, South Point provides instruction for students who have special educational needs. Placement is based on test scores, teacher recommendation, and placement committee evaluations.