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District explains how class ranks are calculated and why QPA is used
Summary
Jackson Public Schools staff explained that class ranks use a quality point average (QPA) that weights advanced courses to promote equity; course type—not course count—determines weighted points, and counseling is being emphasized so students can plan schedules aligned with rank goals.
Dr. Lakeisha Marshall Thomas, assistant superintendent of high schools, told the school board the district uses a quality point average (QPA) — not raw GPA or total course counts — to compute class ranks, and that advanced courses (AP, IB, dual credit) are weighted on a 5.0 scale while accelerated/honors courses use a 4.5 scale and regular courses use 4.0. "All of our advanced courses are weighted on a 5 point scale," Marshall Thomas said, adding that the QPA is an average of quality points so "it does not matter how many courses you take, but what you make in those courses."
Why it matters: the district argued the QPA system is intended to provide equitable comparison across programs (APAC, early college, JTECH) by focusing on performance within courses rather than program labels or raw course counts. Marshall Thomas showed scenarios where students with identical averages across different course mixes arrive at the same QPA. "It's the grade, not the program," she said.
Board members pressed on access and timing: trustees asked whether some programs (for example, early college or JTECH) can place a larger share of a student’s schedule on a 5.0 scale in junior and senior years. Marshall Thomas and Dr. Green said the district provides many routes — partnerships with Hinds Community College and Jackson State University were named — and emphasized that counselors should work with families early so students can set schedules to match postsecondary goals.
Context and next steps: district staff said the weighting rules and examples are published in the student handbook and the administration has produced a one-page infographic to share with families and counselors. The board discussed advising strategies to ensure students understand how choices in 9th and 10th grades affect long-term rank outcomes.
