Freeport High School Proposes Weighted GPA Changes to Improve College Readiness

Freeport High School is set to implement significant changes to its grading policy, including the introduction of both weighted and unweighted GPAs on student transcripts. This decision, made during the RSU 05 Board Meeting on July 21, 2025, aims to enhance college admissions prospects for students amid increasing competition.

The proposal, developed by the guidance team and approved by the administration, comes after extensive research and discussions over the past year. It addresses outdated practices in the school's grading system, which had not been revised since 2017. The new policy reflects a shift towards recognizing the rigor of students' coursework without inflating their grades.

Historically, Freeport High School opted not to use a weighted GPA, as admissions representatives indicated that many colleges recalculated GPAs based on their own criteria. However, with the growing number of college applicants, the need for a weighted GPA has become more pressing. The University of Colorado, for example, noted that they could not thoroughly evaluate all applications without clear GPA distinctions.

Under the new policy, Freeport will adopt a weighted GPA of 1.05 for certain classes, aligning with practices at neighboring schools while ensuring that students are not disadvantaged. This change is designed to provide colleges with a clearer picture of students' academic rigor, as admissions teams increasingly look for evidence of challenging coursework.

Additionally, the school will remove "habits of work" from transcripts, a decision made to streamline the information presented to colleges. This move reflects a broader trend among schools in the region, as many have already eliminated similar practices.

The board emphasized the importance of maintaining a focus on student mental health, opting not to implement class rankings or traditional honors designations like valedictorian and salutatorian. Instead, Freeport High School will continue to recognize academic achievements through honor bands, promoting a healthier competitive environment.

As these changes take effect, Freeport High School aims to better prepare its students for the college admissions process, ensuring they have the tools needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive landscape. The board's commitment to revising grading practices reflects a proactive approach to education, prioritizing student well-being and academic integrity.