The A+ Schools program is a school-improvement initiative established by the Outstanding Schools Act of 1993. The program is raising academic standards, opening new doors to higher education and introducing students to the teaching profession through tutoring and mentoring activities.
The program’s overall goals are that:
1. All students will graduate from high school;
2. All students will complete a selection of high school studies that is challenging and for which identified learning expectations have been established;
3. All students will proceed from high school graduation to a college or post secondary vocational or technical school or high-wage job with workplace skill development opportunities.
The key goal of A+ Schools is to assure that all students, when they graduate, are well-prepared to pursue advanced education, employment or both.
Missouri’s A+ Schools program is a win-win situation for schools, students, and communities. The program encourages students to stay in school, make career plans, tutor younger students in school, and graduate with the skills and knowledge required for career success or further education.
Plato High School is a designated A+ School. This means that students who are enrolled in the A+ Program and who meet the requirements of the program may be eligible for tuition reimbursements at a Missouri community college or vocational/technical institution. Reimbursements may include tuition, basic fees and up to 50% of the cost of books depending upon the availability of state monies.
Student Requirements to Qualify
1. Have attended PHS three (3) consecutive years immediately prior to graduation
2. 95% attendance in grades 9-12
3. 2.5 cumulative grade point average
4. 50 hours of unpaid mentoring and tutoring
5. Good citizenship in school and community
6. Male students must register for Selective Service by age 18
7. Contractual agreement prior to graduation
8. Student must make a documented good faith effort to first secure all available federal postsecondary financial funds that do not require repayment
A+ Benefits for Students
Once designated as an A+ School, financial incentives may be available from the state of Missouri for eligible Plato graduates who choose to attend a Missouri state public community college or vocational/technical school. These incentives could be for the reimbursement of the cost of tuition, fees, and up to fifty percent of the book costs. Reimbursements are subject to legislative appropriation. These incentives will only be made available to eligible students:
1. For a period of four (4) years after high school graduation;
2. After the student has made a documented good faith effort to first secure all available federal postsecondary financial funds that do not require repayment;
3. To reimburse the unpaid balance of the cost of tuition, general fees, and up to 50% of book cost after the federal postsecondary student financial assistance funds have been applied to these costs.
4. Provided state funds are appropriated by the legislature.
Student Responsibilities at PHS
To be eligible, each student must:
1. Enter into a written agreement with the school during the last four (4) years prior to high school graduation;
2. Have attended PHS three (3) consecutive years immediately prior to graduation;
3. Graduated with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
4. Have at least a 95% attendance record for the four (4) year period;
5. Performed fifty (50) hours of unpaid tutoring/mentoring for other students;
6. Maintained a record of good citizenship and avoidance of the unlawful use of alcohol/drugs, and
7. Entered an A+ contractual agreement prior to graduation.
Student Post-Graduate Responsibilities
To maintain eligibility, each participating student, during the period of incentive eligibility, must: (normally a 4-year eligibility)
1. Have enrolled and attended on a full-time basis a Missouri public community college or vocational/technical school.
2. Maintained a grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
3. Register for Selective Service.
A+ Program Announcements
Student contracts for the A+ program are available for interested high school students. Contracts can be obtained in the high school counselor’s office. A copy of the student’s social security card is needed at the time the student returns the completed contract.
Please contact us for more information:
Karissa McNiel, A+ Program Coordinator
10645 Plato Drive
Plato, MO 65552
