State High School Progression and Graduation Information

GRADE CLASSIFICATION

The following guidelines are used to determine a student’s grade classification.  These formulas are used to determine a student’s eligibility to participate in the various class activities.

Number of credits earned by August 1, 2025:

Freshman   0 – 5.5         Junior 13 – 17.5

Sophomore  6 – 12.5        Senior 18 or more

After the first semester, a student who has earned the appropriate number of credits will be eligible to participate in all activities at the student’s new grade level. However, the official computerized school records (e.g., report card) will still reflect the grade classification as of the beginning of the school year.

REQUIREMENTS TO EARN A DIPLOMA

Students must pass all necessary components of the LEAP Tests, earn the minimum units of required credits, and obtain the necessary credentials required for high school graduation.

A student becomes eligible to graduate at the end of the semester in which the graduation program is completed. Each student shall be advised and counseled concerning the requirements for graduation. The responsibility for scheduling the necessary courses is that of the student and parents/guardians.

LEAP TESTS

Students must pass all necessary components of the LEAP Tests to meet high school graduation requirements. Tests are administered during the State testing window for the following courses: Algebra I, Geometry, English I, English II, Biology, U.S. History, and Civics.

The Classes of 2026 and 2027 will be required to take the U.S. History LEAP assessment. The Class of 2028 and beyond will be required to take the Civics LEAP assessment which will replace the U.S. History LEAP as the Social Studies assessment required for graduation.

STATE HIGH SCHOOL COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Students must pass all necessary components of the LEAP 2025 Tests, earn the minimum units of required credits, and obtain the necessary credentials required for high school graduation, and meet FAFSA requirements. To qualify for a TOPS Scholarship, students must also meet the state ACT and GPA requirements.

 

GRADUATING WITH HONORS

Students graduating “with honors” will be determined by computing the overall grade point average for each semester course in which the student received a grade during the student’s secondary course studies. The total courses in which a student received a grade will be divided into the total number of quality points which will represent the grade point average. Additional quality points will be granted only for those Advanced Placement courses in the course offerings of St. Bernard Parish Schools. The final date for computing grade point average for students graduating “with honors” is the last senior exam day.

In order to graduate “with honors,” a student must have at least a 3.3 GPA and achieve a composite score on the ACT of 20 or higher. Such students wear one gold cord and are recognized as graduating “with honors” at the graduation ceremony.

HONORS RECOGNITION CEREMONY

Students graduating “with honors” and the parent/guardian are invited to a recognition ceremony to recognize and celebrate their academic accomplishments. Students must have met all of the graduation requirements to be invited. It is at this event that the top five honor graduates are announced.

TOP FIVE HONOR GRADUATES

To graduate as one of the “Top 5” in the class, the following requirements must have been met:

• fulfilled all graduation requirements while graduating “with honors”
• scheduled 8 courses in each of the FOUR years of high school
• scheduled an advanced English and math course their senior year
• attended Chalmette High School for at least two years

The top 5 graduates are announced at the Honors Recognition Ceremony each spring, and they are featured as stage guests at graduation. The “Top 5” includes: Valedictorian, Salutatorian, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Honor Graduates. These graduates will be “Honor Graduates.”

The student(s) obtaining the highest grade point average will be designated “Valedictorian(s).” The student(s) obtaining the second highest grade point average will be recognized as the “Salutatorian(s).”

For the purpose of determining the top five Honor Graduates only, courses taken in summer, through correspondence, and Driver Education will be excluded when computing the grade point average.

Honor Graduates wear one gold cord and a gold stole to distinguish them as those who have attained the highest academic achievement and are seated in a designated area.

The total number of Honor Graduates should not exceed five unless:

1. Two or more graduates attain the fifth highest grade point average.

2. Three or more graduates attain the fourth highest grade point average.

3. Four or more graduates attain the third highest grade point average.

4. Five or more graduates attain the second highest grade point average.

5. Six or more graduates attain the highest grade point average. If this should occur, these students will be considered “Co-Valedictorians.”

In all the above cases, the number of Honor Graduates would be increased by one or more depending on the number of graduates who attain the same grade point average. Conversely, if there is a tie for the first four honor positions, it would not automatically necessitate an increase in Honor Graduates. If two (three or four) graduates tie for the second highest grade point averages, such a tie would be considered as the second and third (fourth and fifth) highest averages, therefore, would not necessitate additional Honor Graduates. If two (or three) graduates tie for the third highest average, such a tie would be considered as the fourth and fifth highest averages and would not require additional Honor Graduates.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

The following are awarded to graduates and are worn at graduation:

❖ GOLD CORD

Students who graduate with a 3.3 or higher GPA and composite score of 20 or higher on ACT, regardless of courses completed

❖ WHITE CORD

Students who graduate with a 3.3 or higher GPA and composite score of 20 or higher on ACT, regardless of courses completed and rank in the top 10% of their graduating class based on GPA

❖ MAROON CORD

Students who graduate with a 3.3 or higher GPA and composite score of 20 or higher on ACT, regardless of courses completed and rank in the top 5% of their graduating class based on GPA

❖ GOLD STOLE

Students who earn a 3.3 or higher GPA and compostite score of 20 or higher on ACT and have the top GPAs in the class, (GPA does not include summer school, correspondence course(s), or Driver Education)

No other cords or stoles may be worn at the ceremony.

REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMENCEMENT EXERCISE

GRADUATION REHEARSAL

To participate in the graduation ceremony, candidates for graduation must attend rehearsals. There are no exceptions. Candidates must stay for the entire rehearsal.

If a prospective graduate is working and needs a letter to an employer asking to be excused from the job for the rehearsal, call the school office at 504-301-2600, give the student’s name, and the name and address of the employer. This must be done no later than one week prior to rehearsal.