A+ Program

Coordinator: Laurie Hoff - website and announcements
A+ Secretary: Terry Hargrove
PHONE: 214 - 3028 FAX: 214 3057

Student Application
Student Eligibility
Goals and Benefits of the A+ Program
Expanding Opportunities
What Should You Do?
Want More Information?
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education A+ Program

School Eligibility

Eligible 2-year Colleges
Eligible Vocational/Technical Schools
Private Technical Schools

Additional Links

Selective Service Registration
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Occupational Outlook From U.S. Department of Labor
GPA Calculator


 Student Eligibility

Students who graduate from a designated A+ School will qualify for state-paid tuition and books to attend any public community college or technical school in the state. To qualify, students must:

  • Complete a written A+ Schools Agreement
  • Attend a designated A+ high school for three consecutive years prior to graduation.
  • Earn a grade point average of 2.5 or higher in grades 9-12 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Maintain a 95 percent attendance record in grades 9-12
  • Perform 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring
  • Maintain a record of good citizenship and avoid the use of alcohol and other unlawful drugs
  • Attend a Missouri community college or post-secondary vocational/technical school on a full-time basis and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Produce evidence that they have submitted a Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) form (second semester of their senior year)
  • Have registered for Selective Service (male U.S. citizen over age 18).


Goals & BenefitsGoals and Benefits

A+ Schools believes that all students should:

  • Graduate from high school.
  • Complete a selection of high school studies that is challenging and has identified learning expectations.
  • Proceed from high school graduation to college or a postsecondary vocational/ technical school or a high-wage job with skill development opportunities.

Students planning to attend a four-year college or university will benefit from the A+ Schools program through:

  • Graduates will be eligible for tuition, books and fees to any Missouri public community college or vocational/ technical school
  • Greater involvement of the business community through internships, job shadowing, and classroom presentations.
  • Increased career path direction. Career and life planning will be enhanced through the development of four-year plans.
  • Integration of technology into the curricula. Teachers and students will benefit from increased access to technology.
  • Introduction of career-related activities into the curricula of all classes.
  • Recent studies indicate that now, over 64% of all jobs require more than a high school diploma but less than a bachelor’s degree
  • Even for students who choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree, beginning at a community college can provide an academic and financial head start

 Expanding Opportunities

  • Some 4-year colleges now offer their own scholarships for A+ students
  • Local 4-year schools include:
    • Truman State University
    • Columbia College (junior and senior year)
    • William Woods University
    • Northwest Missouri State University

What Should You Do Now?

  • Encourage your child to think about careers and his/her future plans.
  • Enroll in the A+ Program ~Encourage children to set goals.
  • Realize that there are consequences for the choices that students make (good or bad).
  • Look at 2-year school opportunities or 4-year colleges that offer A+ Scholarships