Starting with the class of 2015, a new requirement for the A+ Program is to receive an Expert or Proficient in Algebra I. The A+ Program, introduced to Parkway in 2011, pays students’ tuition for two years to a community college or a career/technical career. The coordinator of the program is Algebra I and Algebra II/Trig teacher Jeff Duncan.
Requirements for the program are to have a 2.5 or higher GPA, 95% attendance rate, 50 hours of community service or tutoring and a good standing citizenship.
“The A+ Program is a great incentive and an insurance policy; It provides students with free education for two years,” Duncan.
To participate, students must be in high school and can enroll from their freshman year to September of their senior year.
“I chose to participate in the program because I saw it as another good opportunity to take advantage of, and because not many schools offer it,” senior Erin Harbstreet said.
Senior Hannah Foldy is planning on using the A+ Program for college next year. Foldy began the program her senior year.
“I realized that I don’t want to be in debt for years because of getting my general education at a bigger university, so I figured I would be in the A+ program to have an option of free schooling. The program gives everyone an opportunity to continue their education past high school. They don’t feel hopeless because they can’t afford a college education. The A+ Program offers a two-year guarantee for college classes so kids can get their associates without paying a penny,” Foldy said.
Foldy will be attending Wildwood Community College next year and is undecided on what she will be majoring in. For community service hours, Foldy has been cadet teaching for art teacher Katy Mangrich.
“I love helping the students with my own personal passion, which is photography. I get to help them with the dark room, Photoshop, etc. It’s really fun,” Foldy said.
Though the program offers free education, it benefits students who will not be using it for college.
“I am going to Truman University next year and they gave me a scholarship towards my education for completing the program. I plan on using the scholarship to aid in my dream of becoming a teacher and going after my masters at Truman,” senior Lauren Gieseking said.
To enroll in the A+ Program, students can go to the Parkway School District website and print out a participation agreement form.
Website:
http://www.parkwayschools.net/pages/ParkwayC2/About_Parkway/A__Schools_Program
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