A+ Schools Program
The A+ Schools Program strives to ensure that students are prepared for and successful in life beyond high school. The A+ Schools Program provides students with continuous, progressive career information throughout the students’ years at Smith-Cotton High School. The program focuses on ensuring students have course offerings that are rigorous and relevant to the world outside the classroom that will better prepare them for their paths after high school.
An A+ Student must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (See the A+ Coordinator with any questions).
- Sign a Letter of Intent to participate in the program prior to or during the last 3 years of high school.
- Attend an A+ School for six consecutive semesters prior to graduation (grades 10-12).
- Graduate with an unweighted cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Graduate with at least a 95% cumulative attendance record for grades 9-12.
- Perform 50 hours of unpaid tutoring to other students in the district.
- Maintain a record of good citizenship and avoid the use of alcohol and unlawful drugs.
- Apply for non-repayable federal tuition assistance by filling out the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA). This must be completed before requesting A+ Student Financial Incentive Assistance.
- Students must score proficient or advanced on ONE of the following End of Course Exams:
- Algebra I
- Algebra II
- Geometry.
- If a student takes the Algebra I End of Course Exam as an 8th grader and passes with a proficient or advanced, then they have satisfied this requirement.
HOW DO YOU BECOME AN A+ STUDENT?
To become part of the A+ Schools Program, read the citizen guidelines and complete the agreement. It is recommended that students sign up early in their high school careers. Doing so allows the A+ Coordinator to monitor the students’ GPA and attendance, provide college and career information, and assist students in fulfilling the tutoring portion of the A+ requirements. Students are encouraged to enroll in the A+ Schools Program even if they plan to attend a four-year college or enter the workforce rather than attend college. This program is an opportunity for students to access additional education after high school; it does not obligate them to use the A+ tuition reimbursement.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING AN A+ STUDENT?
● A student graduating with A+ status may be eligible for two years of tuition grants to attend any accredited public Missouri community college or vocational/technical school as a full-time student. Tuition benefits may cover tuition and general fees.
● The tuition grants may be available to the A+ student up to four years after high school graduation. Parental income is not a criteria for A+ student incentive reimbursement. The rules and reimbursement for the A+ Schools Program are determined by the State Legislature. They may change at any time. For additional information about the A+ Schools Program, contact the A+ Coordinator.
