The Farmington Municipal School District (FMS) is issuing updated guidance regarding the weighting of Dual Credit (DC) courses for GPA and class ranking. This update aligns our district with statewide Common Course Numbering (CCN) changes and ensures a fair and consistent process for recognizing the rigor of college-level coursework.
Background: Previous Dual Credit Weighting Changes
Over the past several years, FMS has made incremental updates to how Dual Credit courses are weighted:
May 2023: Guidance was revised so that, for the 2023–2024 school year, any DC course numbered above 1100 would be weighted by adding 1.0 to the grade point value earned.
These updates were designed to expand opportunities and simplify the process for students taking rigorous college-level courses.
Why an Additional Update Is Needed Now
New Mexico’s statewide shift to Common Course Numbering (CCN) at the post-secondary level has resulted in significant changes to college course numbers. Many courses previously eligible for weighting were renumbered, and the district’s approved list no longer aligned accurately with state and institutional updates.
After reviewing the impact of CCN and discussing options with district principals and counselors, it became clear that course-number-based rules needed to be updated due to current and future changes in college course codes.
New Dual Credit Weighting Policy: (Effective Fall Semester of 2025)
To ensure fairness, clarity, and alignment with state systems, FMS will now apply weighted credit to:
All Dual Credit courses that are eligible for FMS high school students to enroll in, regardless of the specific course number.
This means:
If a course qualifies as an approved Dual Credit offering for high school students, it will receive AP/Honors-level weighting (an additional 1.0 to the grade point value).
Implementation Timeline & Impact
FALL Semester 2025:
All eligible DC courses taken this semester (FALL 2025) and moving forward will receive weighted credit.
Applies to Current (FALL 2025) and Future Enrollments Only:
Courses completed before FALL 2025 that were not over 1100 will not be retroactively weighted.
Why We Are Not Applying Changes Retroactively
We fully understand that some students previously took courses that, under this new, simplified guidance, would now qualify for weighted credit. However, retroactive adjustments would:
Require recalculating GPAs and class rankings for multiple graduating cohorts
Create inconsistencies in transcripts
Potentially disadvantages other students
Significantly impact scholarship evaluations and reporting processes
To maintain fairness and stability, the decision has been made to implement the updated weighting prospectively only.
How This Supports Students
Ensures equitable recognition of all rigorous dual credit coursework
Removes confusion created by shifting course numbers
Aligns district practice with state-level dual credit structures and nearby districts
Simplifies guidance for counselors, students, and families
Questions & Additional Information
Families who have questions about how this policy may apply to their student’s academic plan should contact their school counselor. Counselors and administrators will continue to support students in selecting courses that best prepare them for postsecondary success.
Thank you for your understanding and partnership as we implement this necessary update. Our goal remains to support all students in accessing challenging and meaningful academic opportunities.
Curriculum and Instruction Department
Farmington Municipal Schools