In 1994, North Kansas City Schools received two A+ School Program grants for North Kansas City and Winnetonka high schools. At the time, state guidelines for A+ Schools only allowed two grants per district. However, North Kansas City Schools made a commitment to provide district support for Oak Park High School to meet the A+ Schools Program requirements as well. In the spring of 2008, Staley High School was designated as an A+ high school.

North Kansas City Schools was the first multi-high school district in the state to have all high schools in its district designated as A+ Schools. The district was also first in the Kansas City metro area to receive A+ designation. The A+ Schools Program is part of the district's College & Career Programs.

Instituted as part of Senate Bill 380 (Outstanding Schools Act) by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the A+ Schools Program has set three goals:

1. All students graduate from high school
2. All students complete a selection of high school studies that is challenging and for which there are identified learning expectations
3. All students proceed from high school graduation to college or post-secondary vocational or technical school, or high-wage job with workplace skill development opportunities.

Learn more about the A+ Schools Program from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

To participate, students should contact their school's A+ coordinator.