A+

By signing and submitting the A+ Agreement, students and their parents are simply indicating an interest in participation in the A+ Schools Program and that they understand the requirements that qualify the students for that program.
When an agreement has been signed by all parties and returned, a file will be
established for that student and will be located in the A+ coordinator’s office. This file denotes the student’s active participation in the A+ Schools Program and will contain all pertinent information relative to the student’s eligibility for A+ funds.

Students must sign an A+ agreement to the effect that they will:
1. Attend an A+ school for two of the four high school years.
2. Graduate with a minimum 2.5 cumulative unweighted GPA.
3. Must score proficient or advanced on the state level Algebra I End of Course Exam or meet one of the qualifying scores on the ACT.
4. Graduate with a minimum 95% cumulative attendance rate.
5. Be good citizens at school and in the community.
6. Avoid the use of illegal drugs including alcohol.
7. Perform a minimum of 50 hours of unpaid tutoring/mentoring in the LS School District
8. Make a documented, good faith attempt to secure free federal education funding.
9. Register with selective service (if required by law).

Participating in the A+ Program DOES NOT in any way restrict a student’s educational choices. The A+ Schools Program is designed to provide greater opportunities for students. Signing up will not restrict the options available to a student while in high school or upon graduating from high school.

The key word is “cumulative”. A student’s GPA may drop below 2.5 during a grading period and the student is still considered part of the A+ Program. The final GPA will not be calculated until after graduation and at that time, the cumulative GPA must be a minimum unweighted, unrounded 2.5.

All A+ participants are expected to attend school on a regular basis. Based upon a 175-day school year, participants may miss approximately a total of 32 days over 4 years and still be eligible for the tuition benefit. There is no difference between an
excused or unexcused absence. Illness, injury or other circumstances may combine to keep a student out of school. Unavoidable absences are covered in the 5% A+ attendance policy.

A student’s cumulative attendance percentage is calculated at graduation and if the figure is 95% or better, this requirement is satisfied. If the figure is below 95% at the time of graduation, the A+ attendance policy provides for relief in cases where the
absence was beyond the control of the A+ participant. Request for Attendance Waivers must be filed in accordance with the established policy guidelines. 

The key word is “cumulative”. A student’s GPA may drop below 2.5 during a grading period and the student is still considered part of the A+ Program. The final GPA will not be calculated until after graduation and at that time, the cumulative GPA must be a minimum unweighted, unrounded 2.5.

Any violation (possession, use, manufacture, sale, transportation) that results in a discipline assignment (ISS or OSS) will result in the immediate removal of the student from the program. This policy is also in effect at all school sponsored events. In the community, a plea of guilty or no contest or a finding of guilt in a drug-related case will result in the removal of the participant from the program.

The FAFSA is available toward the end of November. Copies are available at all Mid-Continent Public Libraries, or you can wait until December and get one from the high school counselor or A+ coordinator. The earliest that a FAFSA can be submitted is 12:01 a.m., October 1 of the student’s senior year.

FAFSA is different each year and the form is color coded. One year it may be green and the next year it might be blue. Be sure that you have a form for the correct year. FAFSA can also be submitted on-line. It is best to complete the form and submit it as early as
possible. You need W-2 forms because of the income information that is reported on FAFSA.

You may use your A+ grant benefits at any Missouri public community college or technical or vocational school. The benefits will help with the cost of six semesters of fees (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer) or the completion of a degree program, whichever comes first.

The benefits are available to a qualified student for up to four years after his/her high school graduation. You may work for a while and then attend community college or a vocational/technical school. Or you may attend another college or university and then return to a community college or vocational school on a full-time basis and use your grant benefits as long as you transfer with a 2.5 GPA. 

Several four-year colleges and universities offer their own incentives to entering freshmen that graduate with A+ status. When visiting the financial aid office of a 4-year university, a student is encouraged to ask about incentives available to students who
have received A+ certification.

There are no repercussions for participating in the A+ Program and completing the student eligibility requirements. Many students will develop plans to attend a four-year college or university following high school. The A+ Schools Scholarship incentive MAY
NOT be applied to costs associated with a four-year college or university. Students eligible for A+ tuition benefits may choose to attend a community college for two years, earn an Associates Degree, or simply earn basic credit hours; then transfer those
credits to a four-year college/university.

If for whatever reason an A+ eligible student should withdraw from the four-year institution with at least a 2.5 GPA he/she could enroll at a Missouri public community college or vocational-technical school and be eligible for A+ tuition benefits.

Participation in the A+ Program in no way restricts a student’s post high school career or educational opportunities. It is simply a funding resource for post-secondary education should the student choose to utilize it. A student who participates in the A+ Program is NOT required to attend a community college or vocational or technical school.

There are at least three factors that will impact the availability of tuition benefits to a particular student. First, the high school from which the student graduates must meet and maintain all the requirements for A+ Schools designation. Second, state funding
must be available. Third, the student must meet all the criteria outlined in the A+ Schools Program and the participation agreement, which the student signed.

No. The A+ Schools Program does not permit rounding up of a GPA percentage.