UPDATE: January 9, 2026
Dear Princeton Parents and Guardians of Students in Grades 7–12,
We are writing to provide an important update regarding the weighting of Career-Technical Assurance Guide (CTAG) courses and how this impacts student GPA and class rank.
Since our previous communication, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has updated its guidance related to Ohio Revised Code 3313.6031. This updated guidance allows school districts to locally determine whether CTAG course weighting should be applied retroactively to previously completed coursework.
After careful review and consideration, Princeton City Schools has decided not to apply CTAG weighting retroactively. Instead, CTAG course weighting will be applied beginning with the current school year and moving forward. This decision was made to ensure consistency, fairness, and clarity for students and families.
For your reference and transparency, the original letter sent to families is included below. At the time of that communication, our decision was based on the state’s original guidance, which indicated that CTAG weighting would be applied retroactively. That guidance has since changed, prompting this updated decision.
We appreciate your understanding and continued partnership as we work to align district practices with evolving state guidance. If you have questions or would like additional clarification, please contact the Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Libby Styles
Director of Teaching and Learning, Secondary
Princeton City Schools
Princeton City Schools
100 Viking Way
Cincinnati, OH 45246
(513) 864-1000
November 13, 2025
Dear Princeton Parents and Guardians of Students in Grades 7–12,
We are writing to inform you of a recent change in Ohio law (Ohio Revised Code 3313.6031) that may affect student grade point averages (GPA) and class rankings.
What’s Changing
Ohio schools are now required to apply updated weighting to certain Career-Technical Education (CTE) courses that meet state transfer criteria (CTAG). These courses must now be weighted similarly to International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement (AP), and College Credit Plus (CCP). This change will also be applied retroactively for any current student’s previously completed qualifying CTE courses.
As a result, some student GPAs and class ranks may be adjusted. Families can expect to see these updates reflected at the end of the first semester.
Please note: Because this law took effect on September 30, any changes to class rank will not impact eligibility for the Governor’s Merit Scholarship.
Princeton CTE Courses Affected by the New Law
The following CTE courses offered at Princeton City Schools will now be weighted under ORC 3313.6031:
• Strategic Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Engineering / Engineering 1
• Digital Electronics / Engineering 3
Important Note: Engineering 1 (Introduction to Engineering and Design) will no longer qualify for CTAG weighting after the 2025–2026 school year.
Courses at Great Oaks Campuses
Some courses offered through Great Oaks Career Campuses may also be affected. If your student attends a Great Oaks campus, please contact their campus leadership directly with questions about specific course weighting.
How This Impacts Non-Credit Forms
Students are not permitted to request non-credit status for any class that carries a weight above 4.0. If your student completed a Non-Credit Form for any class that has now been changed to a 5.0 weight under the new state law, that non-credit request will be removed. If another 4.0-weighted class appears on the student’s transcript, the non-credit option will be transferred to that course instead.
Why Is This Happening?
Ohio’s updated law ensures that advanced-level CTE courses are recognized with the same academic rigor and credit as other advanced programs. This change reflects the growing importance and value of career-technical education in preparing students for both college and career pathways.
We understand that changes to GPA and class rank can raise questions. Our goal is to ensure transparency and support as we implement this state-mandated update. If you have any questions or need assistance understanding how this may affect your student, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment department.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Princeton City Schools.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Libby Styles
Director of Teaching and Learning, Secondary
Princeton City Schools