BHS Laude System

The Laude system of recognizing academic achievement allows for more students to be celebrated and is not a competition against classmates like the previous class rank system. Also, the Laude system allows students who progress in departments like art, tech ed, music, FACE, Spanish, and business to also earn recognition as most departments have offerings that count for Laude points. 

THIS SLIDESHOW was created when initially presenting the Laude System and can help further explain the reason for change.

In compliance with state law regarding the Wisconsin Guarantee for UW admissions, we will run class rank based on a non-weighted GPA at the end of junior year and notify the top 10% of each class. Class rank will not be noted or used for those outside the top 10% or for other purposes.

Students who have met the threshold for Laude recognition will receive colored cords to wear at graduation. In addition, their diploma will have a sticker denoting the level of recognition they have earned. 

The Laude Course list is updated and potentially a little different each school year based on the classes that are being offered. The Laude Course lists for each year can be found below under 'Laude Resources'.

Laude classes in the course catalog are denoted with an icon that looks like a graduation cap and diploma in the left margin. 

Starting with the Class of 2026, BHS will no longer have a Valedictorian or Salutatorian. All who have earned Laude recognition will be celebrated.

The Academic Excellence Scholarship is given by the State of Wisconsin, and by law, must use GPA as the first criteria. We will then use Laude points and ACT scores to break the tie as described in BASD Board Policy 5451.01.

Any student that achieves Summa Cum Laude can apply to speak at graduation. Applications will be made available and announced each spring. A faculty panel will review the applications and select the student speaker(s). 

Classes that have been approved for high school credit but not in the BHS Course Catalog will be reviewed by administration, counselors, and department heads to determine whether a course meets the rigor requirements to be considered for Laude points. A student can always inquire with their counselor as to whether a class counts for Laude or not.