Academics

Students are required to complete 24 credits; a credit is defined as a yearlong course.

• 4 credits in Theology (one credit for each year in attendance)
• 4 credits in English
• 4 credits in Mathematics (one credit must be above Math III)
• 3 credits in Science (one must be in Biology; one must be a Physical Science: Chemistry or Physical Science)
• 3 credits in Social Studies (World History, U.S. History, U.S. Government, and Economics are all required)
• 2 credits in the same World Language
• 1 credit in Fine Arts
• .5 credit in Physical Education* 
• 1 credit in Gibbons Freshman Seminar
• 0.5 credits in Health (awarded upon the completion of Gibbons Freshman Seminar)

*Students may choose to defer the PE requirement.

Cardinal Gibbons’ graduation requirements exceed the minimum undergraduate admissions requirements at all 16 constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina. 

Please note: Individual constituent institutions or a specific area of study may require other courses in addition to the minimum requirements and, therefore, prospective students should refer to the catalogs and contact the admissions offices of any institutions to which they plan to apply. In determining the admissibility of each applicant, constituent institutions also consider factors other than courses completed, such as high school grades, scores on college entrance examinations, recommendations, and student activities.

The Academic Philosophy states:

A Cardinal Gibbons education inspires students to learn with purpose. Here, students: 

• Discover and pursue their God-given vocations in a caring Catholic environment
• Grow as creative, discerning, and collaborative agents of their own learning
• Develop as conscientious members of a global Catholic community

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Academic Dishonesty Policy

Academic dishonesty occurs when a student obtains or assists another in obtaining credit for work, which is not his/her own. Gibbons’ policies and procedures concerning academic dishonesty are intended to encourage academic integrity. Administrators, educators, students, and parents share the responsibility for promoting an atmosphere in which personal integrity and accountability are valued.

Examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to:

1. Use or possession of unauthorized notes, cheat sheets, marked hands and clothing;
2. Improper use of devices such as laptops, cell phones, calculators, Apple or other smart watches;
3. Plagiarism, unauthorized copying, improper citation, failure to cite sources and use of online translation sources;
4. Improper use of online translators or applications;
5. Copying material from another student or other source;
6. Allowing another student to copy from one’s own work;
7. Failure to comply with rules and instructions regarding testing and assignments;
8. Communicating with another student during an exam or quiz;
9. Submitting falsified information for grading purposes;
10. Obtaining a copy of and/or information about an exam or quiz without the knowledge and consent of the educator;
11. Removing or copying exams or quizzes from the classroom without the knowledge and consent of the educator; 
12. Actions that earn credit for work which is not one’s own;
13. Activity or circumstances, which give a student an unfair advantage, compared to other students doing the same assignment.
14. Activity involving inappropriate use of or modification of any digital tools used for assessment or recording grades.

When a student is suspected of violating the academic integrity policy. A referral for academic dishonesty will be completed by the educator and filed with the Dean of Students. A copy of this referral will also be given to the educator’s Department Chair, the student’s advisor, and the Assistant Head of School for Academics. The Dean of Students will conduct an investigation to determine whether the policy concerning academic dishonesty has been violated. The Dean of Students’ and Assistant Head of School for Academics’ determination is final.

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Academic Dishonesty Disciplinary Action
 
Minor (cheating on classwork, homework, minor grades, minor plagiarism):

• 1st Offense: Parent contacted by educator, meeting with Dean of Students and student(s) involved
• 2nd Offense: Meeting with Dean of Students/ Parents/ Assistant Head of School for Academics and Academic Integrity Suspension* which may include suspension from the academic day and/or co-curriculars for a period of time.
• 3rd Offense: Administrative hearing which could result in dismissal

Major (cheating on major test, semester exams, major plagiarism):

• 1st Offense: Meeting with parents/ Dean of Students/ Assistant Head of School for Academics and may include Academic Integrity Suspension
• 2nd Offense: Administrative hearing which could result in dismissal 

Students will be allowed to complete an alternate assignment assigned by the educator with guidance from Assistant Head of School for Academics. Educators are not required to give the same type of assessment. Due to the complexity of creating additional assessments, the educator may need to alter the type of assessment he or she creates to ensure fairness and integrity of the assignment. Failure to complete the alternate assignment will result in a zero (0) for that assignment.

Disciplinary actions for academic dishonesty will be recorded cumulatively over the student’s high school career. Violations do not “start over” each academic year.

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Academic Integrity Suspension 

Students placed on academic integrity suspension due to violation of the academic integrity policy may be, but not limited to, removed from class, suspended from co-curriculars including athletic and fine arts, and/or loss of other privileges while the student is on suspension. Students committing academic dishonesty while on academic integrity suspension will be subject to an administrative hearing which could result in dismissal. The duration of suspension will be determined by the Deans of Students and Assistant Head of School for Academics upon completion of meeting with student and family and completion of the restorative action. 

Affected educators will be notified as to the result of any academic integrity meeting. Additionally, co-curricular moderators, directors, or coaches will be notified via email about academic integrity suspension. Affected educators, coaches and moderators are aware that academic integrity violations are confidential and cannot be shared publicly in any scenario. 
 

All course changes require approval from a student’s parent and school administration. A student may not withdraw from a class without approval of the teacher, college counselor and/or the Assistant Head of School for Academics. Educator assignments and course sections are based on student requests that are approved by parents in the spring. It is difficult to reassign educators and adjust the master schedule when class enrollments change unexpectedly, and therefore, course changes are approved only for sound academic reasons. Cardinal Gibbons does not accommodate requests for specific flex periods, course order, teachers, or lunches. Additionally, the school cannot guarantee that an alternative course will be available. Course changes are subject to a $75 fee, which must be paid before a change is operative.

Each school of the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh shall have a plan for transitioning to distance learning strategies in the event of a natural disaster, disease outbreak or any other circumstances that make it unsafe or imprudent to continue on-campus education. The judgment of the school administration, in consultation with their pastor (where applicable), and in conjunction with the Office of Education of the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, will determine when the change to the school’s normal instructional model warrants the transition to distance learning. The strategies used for distance learning will be developed by the school administration and faculty.

In the case of a public health crisis/pandemic situation, guidance from public health experts (i.e. NCDHHS) shall be incorporated into the school plan for prudent precautions for student/faculty health. This plan may be modified as necessary and:

1. School retains the right to implement any such changes, whether prior to and/or during the Academic Year, in its sole discretion
2. No adjustments can be made with regard to the student attending virtual/in-person outside of the School’s policies; and
3. No adjustment will be made to the current school year’s tuition charges in response to such changes.

Additionally, students will be required to comply with School’s health and safety protocols as described in the School’s policies, protocols, and procedures to limit the spread of COVID-19 and failure to comply with such protocols may result in the immediate removal of the child from campus.

Parents accept and assume all risk of returning their child to school.
 

Honor Roll

Students must take a minimum of five courses to be eligible for Honor Roll. The following honors are recognized: 

• A Honor Roll: All A’s for the semester (A+, A, A-)
• A/B Honor Roll: No grade below a B- for the semester (A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-)

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Senior Awards

• Determination of the Valedictorian and Salutatorian is based upon the Cumulative GPA after seven semesters. No student will be considered for Valedictorian or Salutatorian unless he/she has been a student at Cardinal Gibbons for at least five consecutive semesters. The Valedictorian and Salutatorian must be a student in good standing as determined by the administration. Only Cardinal Gibbons High School courses are included in the GPA and determination of Valedictorian and Salutatorian. High school credit is not given for courses taken at a college or university.
• The Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama Award is given to seniors who rank in the top 10% of the graduating class. Determination for this award is based upon the Cumulative GPA after seven semesters. No student will be considered unless he/she has been a student at Cardinal Gibbons for at least five consecutive semesters. Only Cardinal Gibbons High School courses are included in the GPA and determination of this award. This award is a medallion (bust of James Cardinal Gibbons) worn on a green ribbon over the graduation gown. The award is given at Graduation practice and is denoted by the graduate’s name in the Graduation program. A picture with the Bishop is taken immediately following Baccalaureate Mass. 
• The Bishop F. Joseph Gossman Award is an academic award given to the senior who has the best overall average in a particular content area, over the 4 years of high school and who has shown extraordinary interest in the subject. This is given by the department, and the recipients of these awards are announced during the Graduation ceremony and receive the award on stage. 
• The Bishop Michael F. Burbidge Award is presented to the student who is known for showing outstanding love and devotion to the administration, faculty, and students of Cardinal Gibbons High School. The recipient's name is added to the plaque that hangs in the main office of the school. This award is given on stage at Graduation. 
• The Bishop Vincent S. Waters Award is given to a student who has shown outstanding witness to the Roman Catholic faith, by living out each day, the Christian call to holiness. The recipient's name is added to the plaque that hangs in the main office of the school. This award is given on stage at Graduation. 
• The Jim Boyle Award is given to a student who is known for deep Catholic faith, a lifelong commitment to Catholic morals, and who understands the transformative effect of Catholic education. The recipient's name is added to the plaque that hangs in the main office of the school. This award is given on stage at Graduation. 
• The President's Education Award Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education.. A certificate signed by the President of the United States and the Secretary of Education is given for outstanding achievement and is denoted beside the graduate's name in the Graduation program. The criteria for the President's Education Award are a minimum of a 3.5 unweighted GPA and a score on the SAT or ACT in the 85th percentile or higher. Certificates are mailed home before graduation.

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Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Determination of the Valedictorian and Salutatorian is based upon the Cumulative GPA after seven semesters. No student will be considered for Valedictorian or Salutatorian unless he/she has been a student at Cardinal Gibbons for at least five consecutive semesters. The Valedictorian and Salutatorian must be a student in good standing as determined by the administration. Only Cardinal Gibbons High School courses are included in the GPA and determination of Valedictorian and Salutatorian. High school credit is not given for courses taken at a college or university.

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Junior Marshals

The recognition of Junior Marshal is given to the top 15 junior students in class ranking after five consecutive semesters. These students  are asked to serve as marshals for Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation. A student must be enrolled at Cardinal Gibbons for at least three semesters to be considered.

Grading Scale

Cardinal Gibbons uses letter grades in evaluating scholastic achievement. GPA points are awarded based on the grade earned and the course level. A grade of incomplete (INC) indicates that requirements have not been met. An incomplete grade must be made up within two weeks of the date the grade was issued.

Letter grade	Range	College Prep	Honors	AP
A+	97-100	4.33	4.83	5.33
A	93-96	4.00	4.50	5.00
A-	90-92	3.67	4.17	4.67
B+	87-89	3.33	3.83	4.33
B	83-86	3.00	3.50	4.00
B-	80-82	2.67	3.17	3.67
C+	77-79	2.33	2.83	3.33
C	73-76	2.00	2.50	3.00
C-	70-72	1.67	2.17	2.67
D	65-69	1.00	1.50	2.00
F	64 or below	0	0	0

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Parent/Guardian Academic Course Concerns

In the event a parent/guardian needs to express a concern or suggestion, he/she should first contact the individual educator to have a discussion. If the concern is not addressed, please submit the concern or suggestion in writing to the Assistant Head of School for Academics.

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Failures

Students who receive a grade of an F in a required course must make up the course in order to be promoted to the next grade. Students will have access either to a summer school option or an online option. Students must complete any coursework prior to July 31st of the academic year. Students with multiple failures will be placed on academic probation. Students on probation who do not improve may be asked to withdraw from Cardinal Gibbons.

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Report Cards and Semester Grade Policy

Students and parents can view quarter, exam, and semester grades by logging in to PowerSchool. Additionally, report cards are emailed to parents/guardians at the conclusion of each quarter. (Please note: Report cards are only emailed to parents/guardians who have a PowerSchool parent account.)

Credit is awarded by semester and only the semester grade is recorded on the student’s permanent record. In the case of a course that does not have a semester exam, the two quarter grades are averaged together each counting as half. The GPA is calculated on the basis of the semester average.

Exams at the end of each semester count for no more than 20% of the student’s semester average; each quarter grade counts for a minimum of 40%. Absence from semester exams will be excused only for serious illness or at the discretion of the Head of School or Assistant Head of School for Academics. 

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Transcripts

Transcripts are an official record of a student’s semester grades and GPA.  The registrar is responsible for these records. Transfer student grades will not be a part of the Cardinal Gibbons HS transcript.  Official grades and credits earned at other schools will be attached to the Cardinal Gibbons transcript when an official transcript is requested. Only high school courses taken at Cardinal Gibbons High School are included in the GPA and determination of awards. High school credit is not given for courses taken at a college or university.

Transcripts may not be released to any third party, except for a member of the staff having an official need for the information, without the expressed approval (in writing) of the student, if 18 years of age or older, or a parent/guardian if the student is not yet 18. 

Parents/students may obtain a copy of his/her transcript at any time as well as challenge any information contained in the records. A student’s permanent record (transcript) will remain on file at Cardinal Gibbons High School indefinitely. Students should be aware that the transcript is a permanent, official record that contains all semester grades and a cumulative grade point average. Colleges and employers often ask that this record be provided. Students should recognize the importance of this document as it reflects achievement.

The mission of the Library Media Center is to ensure that students and educators are effective users of ideas and information. An understanding of the organization of the library, procedures for use, and location of materials is the goal. The Library Media Center strives to be a multi-faceted “classroom” for independent, group, or class learning. It is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. Students may use the Media Center before school, during Flex, during lunch, and after school, unless there is a scheduled use by a class or organization. Specific procedures, uses, and regulations are contained in the Media Center Handbook. 
 

The National Honor Society is an organization that promotes appropriate recognition for juniors and seniors who reflect outstanding accomplishments in the areas of scholarship, character, leadership, and service. All members are expected to attend monthly meetings and to make contributions to the Cardinal Gibbons chapter by participating in chapter service activities.

Rising juniors and rising seniors with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.75 are eligible to apply to NHS. Students must be enrolled for a minimum of one semester at Cardinal Gibbons in order to be eligible to apply. Selection of students for membership is the responsibility of the Cardinal Gibbons NHS Educator council appointed by the Head of School. Students who are eligible to apply will be contacted via their school email address in February.