Upper School Academic Honor Societies

Cum Laude Honor Society

Sanford School sponsors a chapter of the Cum Laude Society to recognize outstanding scholarship of Upper School students. In 1906, Dr. Abram W. Harris, Director of the Tome School in Port Deposit, Maryland, was determined that scholastic achievement of students in secondary schools should be accorded as much recognition as that given to other accomplishments. He envisioned a Society, modeled on Phi Beta Kappa, which would encourage and recognize true scholarship. Therefore, Dr. Harris organized an interscholastic scholarship fraternity. During the Society's existence, there has been no deviation from the original objective of the founder-namely, the recognition of superior scholarship. Today, the society has grown to include approximately 350 chapters located in the United States, Canada, England, France, and Spain. Some 4000 new student members are inducted annually.

As provided in the Society Constitution, membership in Sanford's chapter of the Cum Laude Society may include not more than the top 20% of the Senior class based on cumulative G.P.A. as measured from the 9th grade year. No more than the top 10% of a class may be inducted in the spring of their Junior year, with the remainder being inducted in the Spring of their Senior year. In addition, the Sanford School chapter also requires a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.5.

World Language Honor Societies

Sanford School sponsors World Languages Honor Societies to recognize outstanding scholarship by Sanford upper school students in the study of World Languages. The aim of the World Languages Honor Societies is to stimulate interest in the study of world languages, to promote high standards of scholarship, to reward scholastic achievements, to create enthusiasm for and an understanding of the world cultures and civilizations, to promote and perpetuate international friendship, and to renew efforts toward furthering solidarity in the world. Members and inductees are held to a rigorous set of academic standards as decided by the national boards.

Upper School Curriculum

Other Information