Grading at Grand Island Senior High differs from elementary and middle school grading. For the first time, in high school, students earn credits toward graduation. Those credits are based on passing high school core and exploratory courses. All courses at Grand Island Senior High School are graded on an A to F scale. Students who do not earn a passing grade do not receive credit for that course and may be in danger of not graduating.

Student letter grades are based on academic achievement, not behavior. The grades are based mostly on assessment scores (tests, performances, projects), with very little weight on daily practice or homework. The purpose of daily practice and homework is to learn, receive feedback, and have an opportunity to correct errors in thinking or understanding.

The focus on grading at Grand Island Senior High School, as it is at all levels, is to assign consistent, meaningful, accurate grades that support student learning. 

GISH Grading and Credit Information

Beginning in 9th grade, students must earn credits to graduate. Credits are earned by passing GISH courses. GISH uses a grading scale of A to F, and GPA (grade point average) is calculated on the transcript using a scale of 0.0 to 4.0.

Grading System at Grand Island Senior High School

• A = (counts 4.0 in GPA) 90-100% Excellent
• B = (counts 3.0 in GPA) 80-89% Good
• C = (counts 2.0 in GPA) 70-79% Satisfactory
• D = (counts in 1.0 GPA) 60-69% Passing but needs improvement
• F = (counts in 0.0 GPA) Below 60% No Credit Granted
• P = (not in GPA) Passing Credit Granted
• NP = (not in GPA) Not Passing No Credit Granted
• W = (not in GPA) Withdrew No Credit Granted
• INC = (incomplete) Not Finished No Credit Granted
• SI = Sheltered Instruction Course in ELA program.

Course Registration

It is recommended that students take 30 credits per semester to graduate with their class in four years. Students who are credit deficient are identified as such and will not graduate with their class if graduation requirements are not met. 

Students are credit deficient if they have not earned the following minimum hours of credit:

Grade Level  - Midterm  - End of Year

• Freshman  - 30 credits  - 60 credits
• Sophomore  - 90 credits  - 120 credits
• Junior  - 150 credits  - 180 credits
• Senior  - 210 credits - 240 credits

Honor Roll

Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 25 credits and have a GPA of 3.0 the previous semester to be on the Honor Roll.

Academic Letter

An academic letter will be earned in the following ways:

• Freshmen – first semester cumulative GPA of 4.0
• Sophomore – first semester cumulative GPA of 3.75
• Junior – first semester cumulative GPA of 3.50
• Senior – first semester cumulative GPA of 3.25GISH Grading and Credit Information

GISH Graduation Requirements

To graduate from GISH, students must earn a total of 240 credits.

• 140 core credits and 100 elective credits.
• English 40 credits (8 semesters)
• Math 30 credits (6 semesters)
• Science 30 credits (6 semesters)
• Social Studies 30 credits (6 semesters)
• 10 credits of American History (2 semesters)
• 10 credits of World History (2 semesters)
• 5 credits of Economics (1 semester)
• 5 credits of Government (1 semester)
• Physical Ed 10 credits (2 semesters)

Course descriptions can be found in the GISH Course Handbook (on the GISH website).

University Admissions Requirements

• Rank in top 50% or ACT score of 20 - GISH does not produce class rank for students.
• English--4 years of College Prep
• Math--3 years (including Algebra 1,2,3,4 and Geometry)
• Science--3 years including one year of a lab science
• Social Studies--3 years
• Foreign Language--2 years of the same language
• UNL requires one additional year of Math above Algebra 3-4
• UNK and UNO require one additional year of an elective from any of the above areas.
• State and Community Colleges also recommend college prep classes, but may have less rigorous admission standards.

NCAA/NAIA Eligibility (for college athletes)

Division I Core Courses: 16 Core Classes Required

• 4 years of English
• 3 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)
• 2 years of natural/physical science (one must be a lab science)
• 1 additional year of English, math, or science
• 2 years of social studies
• 4 years of additional core courses (from any area listed above, or from foreign language)

The approved GISH courses are indicated in the GISH Course Handbook and can be found on the clearinghouse web site under prospective student athletes.

Latin Designation GPA Recognition

Summa Cum Laude: 4.0 and above honors banquet, sash and medallion at graduation, identified in graduation program
Magna Cum Laude: 3.75 – 3.99 Honors banquet, medallion at graduation, identified in graduation program
Cum Laude: 3.5 – 3.74 Identified in graduation program