Consistent with the Outstanding Schools Act of 1993 the primary goal of the A+ Schools Program is to “ensure that all students who graduate from Missouri high schools are well prepared to pursue advanced education and employment” (DESE). To support this initiative grant awards are made to high schools that demonstrate a commitment to ensure that:

• All students be graduated from school;
• All students complete a selection of high school studies that is challenging and for which there are identified learning expectations; and
• All students proceed from high school graduation to a college or postsecondary vocational or technical school or high-wage job with work place skill development opportunities.
  (Source: Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 160.545)