A Plus Information 2021-2022

• The deadline for students to apply to the A+ program is the last Wednesday of September of the student's senior year.

  The A+ Schools Program was established as part of the Missouri Outstanding Schools Act of 1993 in order to provide incentives for local high schools to raise academic expectations, reduce their dropout rate, establish relationships with the business community, and provide better career pathways to students. Administration of the scholarships of the A+ Program is coordinated through the Missouri Department of Higher Education. Additional details can be found by visiting the Missouri Department of Higher Education website.

  Students who graduate from an A+ designated high school may qualify for a state-paid financial incentive to attend a public community college or public career or technical school in Missouri.

  Becoming A+ Eligible

  • Complete the online A+ application. Seniors MUST be enrolled in the program no later than the last Wednesday in September of their Senior year.
  • Review the A+ handbook
  • Once we have processed your application we will send you an email informing you of your acceptance to the A+ program.
  • Freshmen, Sophomores, & Juniors:
    • Make sure you are on track to complete the A+ requirements, listed in the A+ handbook, by graduation.
    • Review the tutoring/mentoring options (found on this page above). Email the A+ Coordinator for approval. Appointments with the A+ Coordinator may be scheduled through the Counseling Office.
  • Seniors:
    • Make sure you are on track to complete the A+ requirements, listed in the A+ handbook, by graduation.
    • Email the A+ Coordinator no later than the first quarter to discuss tutoring arrangements.

  A+ Eligibility Criteria

  • Have a signed A+ participant agreement on file in the A+ office.
  • Graduate from an A+ designated high school and attend an A+ designated high school for two years prior to graduation. (Beginning with class of 2020)
  • Graduate with an unweighted, unrounded GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Maintain at least a 95% cumulative attendance record in grades 9-12.
  • Achieve the math proficiency requirement with a score of advanced or proficient on the Algebra 1 End of Course Exam or qualifying ACT score with sliding GPA combination. See below for chart with the sliding scale combo.
  • Perform 50 hours of unpaid tutoring and/or mentoring with Rockwood students under Rockwood staff supervision.
  • Maintain a record of good citizenship and avoid the use of alcohol and unlawful drugs
  • Have five or fewer days of school suspension.
  • Make a good faith effort to apply for non-payback financial aid by completing FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
  • Register for Selective Service if applicable.

  Please refer to the RSD A+ Handbook for a complete overview of the program requirements. This is a student-driven program.

  Sliding Scale for A+ Math Proficiency Requirement

  ACT Math Score	Final Cum GPA
  17 or greater	2.5 or greater
  16	2.8 or greater
  15	3.0 or greater

  A+ Attendance Information

  All absences (excused and unexcused) count toward a student’s attendance percentage. Some absences may be eligible for review. Please review the chart below for a list of absences eligible for review and supply the A+ office with the required documentation to be considered. Attendance reviews will not be granted for the following; truancy, suspension, vacation, transportation, absences due to final exam exemptions.

  Absences Eligible for Review	Documentation Required
  Hospitalization	Physician's Letter
  Chronic Health Problem	Physician's Letter
  Court Appearance	Court Letter
  Funeral	Parent letter and copy of death certificate, obituary, or memorial pamphlet
  Religious Holiday	Letter from Clergy
  Personal or Family Calamity	Parent and School Counselor Letter
  Catastrophic Illness or Injury	Physician's Letter
  College Visit	Letter from College Admissions Office

  *Absences due to COVID-related issues and/or virtual attendance will be adjusted as needed