As the 2016-2017 school year is getting into full swing, stress related to homework, tests, and extracurricular activities is beginning to have an impact on many students. Receiving good grades is a common concern among the student body, but the anxiety related to being successful enough in rigorous classes in order to move up in class ranking has been eliminated starting this year.

Blue Valley Schools has made the decision to remove class rank from student transcripts for the classes of 2017 and all future classes as well.

“This recommendation was made by an internal committee after extensive research that included contacting high schools and universities in the Kansas City metro area, region and across the country,” BV West Assistant Principal Derek Adams said.

This was not a decision that was made lightly by the district, as they took considerable measures in research regarding the benefits and downfalls of eliminating rank. Students and staff alike understand that the ranking system that has been implemented in years past can often reflect negatively on many perseverant, successful students because of the competitive nature of the system as a whole.

“Making class rank optional also supports a recommendation from high school counselors, principals and district office administrators, as well as the district’s Curriculum and Instruction committee, to value the hard work of all students by eliminating an environment of stress and undo competition among students related to class rank,” Tonya Merrigan, the Assistant Superintendant of Academic Services, said.

Although the plan will go into effect beginning this school year, Blue Valley has chosen to phase out class rank over the next three school years. Students in the graduating classes of 2017, 2018, and 2019 will have options regarding what they want to do with their rank.

“Students in these graduating classes can voluntarily choose to have their class rank included on their transcript,” Merrigan said.

By the time the class of 2020 graduates, rank will be eliminated altogether and will not be optional to include on transcripts. Counselors will be available to help students in upcoming graduating classes make informed decisions regarding their rank and transcripts that are best suited to each individual’s needs.