The Cum Laude Society

 

The Cum Laude Society, a national independent school honor society, was established at Saint Andrew's School in 1968. Membership in the Society is the highest academic honor awarded by the school. At commencement, seniors who have been elected to membership are designated as graduating "cum laude," with praise.

Juniors and seniors are elected to membership based upon their academic achievement and good character. Up to 20% of the senior class and 10% of the junior class are eligible for election.

To be considered for membership in the Society, a junior must have spent the entire 10th grade and be in the process of completing the 11th grade at Saint Andrew's School. The juniors elected must have a GPA of at least 4.0. A senior must have spent the entire 11th grade and be in the process of completing the 12th grade at Saint Andrew's and must have a GPA of 3.5 or better. During the election process, the Society may review a student's freshman-year grades or grades earned at another school; however, these grades will not be included in the GPA.

The Cum Laude Society motto includes the Greek words Arete, Dike, Time (Excellence, Justice, Honor). According to the national organization, "The Motto specifies qualities which, ideally, each member of the Society should have as personal goals and should endeavor to encourage in society as well." Therefore, in the election process, a student's honor record at Saint Andrew's School may be reviewed. In addition, juniors or seniors elected to the Society are expected to uphold this motto in order to remain members of the Saint Andrew's School chapter.

The presence of a Cum Laude chapter at a secondary school indicates that superior academic achievement is honored. The Society presently consists of 344 chapters, approximately 24 of which are located in public schools. The remainder are located in independent schools in the United States, Canada, England, France and Spain.

Contacts: Bari Attis, Chair of the English Department, and Phyllis Merrill, Academic Dean