Latin Honors System
Kearney School District is making a shift to using the Latin Honors system to recognize our high school graduates. This system will replace class rankings based on grade-point averages (GPA).
In the Latin Honors system, every student has the opportunity to earn a Suma Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Cum Laude designation based on KSD’s definition of each of those categories. Designation of valedictorian and salutatorian could still be optional if we make this shift, but class rank would not be reported to colleges or reported on transcripts. This change will be fully implemented for the Class of 2025.
| Summa Cum Laude | Magna Cum Laude | Cum Laude |
| "With Highest Honor" | "With Great Honor" | "With Honor" |
| GPA: 4.0 and above | GPA: 3.75 - 3.99 | GPA: 3.5 - 3.73 |
| Applies to all tiers of diploma | Applies to all tiers of diplomas | Applies to all tiers of diplomas |
In the video below, Kearney High School Principal Andy Gustafson explains why we are making this change.
Tiered Diplomas
In addition to the Latin honors system, KSD is creating tiered diplomas that recognize the value of both college and career pathways. To enhance the diploma acquisition process, we are embedding the district’s Real World Learning and Market Value Asset (MVA) focus into our graduation requirement framework.
| Purple Seal | Gold Seal | Platinum Seal |
| Minimum credit requirements | College and Career Prep | Distinguished |
| 24 credits | 25.5 credits | 28 credits |
| 1 MVA | 1 MVA | 2 MVAs |