Common Acronyms
ACT = American College Test
AFJROTC = Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
ALE = Alternative Learning Environments
AP = Advanced Placement
ASB = Associated Student Body
CADD = Computer-aided Design and Drafting
CADR = College Academic Distribution Requirements
CTA = Call to Action
CTE = Career & Technical Education
CWHGP = Contemporary World History, Geography & Problems
DECA = Distributive Education Clubs of America
FACSE = Family and Consumer Sciences Education
FAFSA = Free Application For Student Aid
HVAC = Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
IED = Integrated Education for Disabled
IEP = Individualized Education Plan
NCAA = National Collegiate Athletic Association
OHV = Overhead Valve
PSAT = Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test
RHL = River HomeLink
ROTC = Reserve Officers’ Training Corps
SAT = Scholastic Aptitude Test
SSE = Social Studies Elective
UTC = Unity, Toughness, Class
WSL = Work-site Learning

Graduation recognition for the class of 2028 and beyond

In recognition of the many ways that students achieve academic success, Battle Ground Public Schools will expand recognitions at high school graduations starting with the class of 2028 (freshmen in 2025).

Students take many different academic paths in high school, from career/technical classes to Advanced Placement to Running Start and more. In recognition of the many ways that students achieve academic success, Battle Ground Public Schools plans to expand recognitions at high school graduations starting with the class of 2028 (freshmen in 2024-25).

Based on input from staff, parents, guardians and students, each Battle Ground high school will recognize the top 5% based on GPA during graduation ceremonies. Although schools will not designate a valedictorian and salutatorian, class rankings will continue to be available as needed for scholarships and other purposes.

Reasons for the change

Representing many forms of achievement: Unlike in decades past when most students took similar classes, today’s students have a variety of course options. Recognizing the top 5% will help schools highlight academic excellence in its various forms. Reaching the top 5% will still represent a prestigious achievement for students who academically achieve at a high level.

Healthier approach to learning: It’s important for students to explore their interests and appropriately challenge themselves in their learning. This shift would reduce pressure on students, allowing them to take courses without worrying that earning anything less than a perfect grade could prevent them from being recognized for their accomplishments.

Valedictorian and salutatorian are not always just two students: Often several students have the same GPA and end up sharing these designations. Recognizing the top 5% more accurately describes these students’ shared achievement.

Aligning with colleges and universities: Most higher education institutions do not consider a student’s valedictorian or salutatorian status when making admissions decisions.

Aligning with other districts: Many Southwest Washington school districts recognize only a percentage of each graduating class.

We look forward to honoring our graduating students with this expanded recognition!