Every year, right before Spring Break, the Commons is decked out in scrolls listing the students who made Lafayette’s Renaissance program.  

Students are typically thrilled to see the prizes and coupons they receive for their academic accomplishments from the first semester.  However, some students are disappointed to see which level of Renaissance they got.  

“I had always been on Gold Renaissance throughout high school, and I was expecting the same first semester of junior year.  I had over a 4.0 GPA, but got a B in a non-weighted class,” senior Kendall Goedeke said.  

A common misconception is that the levels are grouped by overall GPA: Gold is anything 4.0 and above, silver is a 3.5-3.9, and bronze is a 3.0-3.4.  

However, in order to be on Gold, students must have all A’s or the equivalent in a weighted class. An A in a weighted class, cannot make up for a B in an unweighted class, the way it can in a student’s GPA.  Similarly, in order to be on Silver, a student must have all A’s and B’s, or the equivalent in a weighted class, not just a 3.5 overall.  

“A lot of students are confused about the Renaissance levels, but if they’re ever in need of clarification, they can visit the Lafayette webpage, or ask their grade level counselor,” Librarian Nichole Ballard-Long said.  

Ultimately, being on Renaissance is a privilege, no matter what level a student qualifies for. Students should be proud of their academic efforts, despite whichever level they are placed on.  

“Looking back, I know it wasn’t a big deal, but I was very frustrated at the time,” Goedeke said.