Missouri's Outstanding Schools Act of 1993 established provisions for the implementation of a grant award program to institute A+ Schools and improve the education of high school students within the State of Missouri. Beginning in 1994, the A+ Schools Program has provided grant awards to Missouri's public school districts that demonstrate a commitment to ensure that the Program's goals are met in their high schools.

The goals are that all students:

1. Graduate from high school.

2. Complete a selection of high school classes that is challenging and for which there are identified learner expectations.

3. Proceed from high school to a college, technical college, or a high wage job with workplace skill development opportunities.

High schools that apply for the A+ status must outline a plan that includes innovative activities to make progress toward achieving these three goals. Activities include: building partnerships that include the high school, post secondary school, businesses, industries, community organizations, parents, and students; providing students with the motivation, skills, and knowledge to graduate from high school; integrating academic and vocational learning; and preparing students to select a career path focus and a program of study designed to meet academic standards established by the local school district.

The South Callaway R-II School District received official A+ Schools designation in 2009. The students graduating from South Callaway R-II High School in 2009 and each succeeding year are eligible to participate in the A+ Schools Financial Incentive Program. The funding for the financial incentives is dependent upon South Callaway R-II High School maintaining its A+ Schools status and the availability of state appropriations from the Missouri General Assembly.

A part of the A+ Schools program is that a student who qualifies according to the following criteria and continues his/her education at a Missouri public community college or vocational-technical school may be eligible for state reimbursed tuition, and general fees. (A+ Schools Student Financial Incentive is subject to legislative appropriation and South Callaway R-II achieving designation as an A+ School in 2009). These costs may be reimbursable only after secured federal financial assistance funds, that do not require repayment, have been applied. The incentive, offered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, may be available for up to six semesters of attendance during the 4-year period immediately following high school graduation.

Click here to download the current A+ Student Handbook in PDF.