OPRF Seeks Feedback on Possible Elimination of Class Rank

Following the lead of about two dozen other area high schools, Oak Park and River Forest High School is considering following the trend and discussing the elimination of the class rank system.

Hinsdale Central and New Trier are two examples of schools cited by OPRF administrators as schools that have changed how they report class rank.

On Patch: Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville South Vote to Eliminate Class Rank

With possible elimination in the future, OPRF is seeking the input of parents, and looking to start a discussion about possible changes with two forums to be held starting at the end of January.

The first opportunity for parents to learn more and share their thoughts will be Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. A second forum will be held on Feb. 4 also at 7 p.m. Both forums will be held at the high school, located at 201 N. Scoville Ave.

School officials said the primary reason for considering the elimination of class rank is to provide more opportunities to students when they apply for college. Under the class rank system, although a student may have a high grade point average, they could still rank below the 50th percentile of a highly competitive class.

Removing class rank, they argue, would lead colleges to consider a student's overall educational background, including test scores and experiences, rather than a single number provided by rank.

Any changes to the system would not go into effect until the 2014-2015 school year's senior class.

For more information, head over to the OPRF website for a list of frequently asked questions regarding class rank, here.

Another website containing information about class rank and what colleges look for in its absence, is CollegeBoard.com. You can read their overview on the subject here.