MO HB1701

Establishes the A+ Schools Program to provide grant awards to public secondary schools demonstrating commitment to 100% student graduation, challenging coursework with identified learning expectations, and post-secondary college or vocational school placement or high-wage employment.

Requires participating schools to establish measurable performance standards, specify measurable competencies for course completion, eliminate general diploma tracks, require rigorous vocational coursework, and develop partnership plans with business, labor, parents, and post-secondary representatives.

Authorizes reimbursement of tuition, books, and fees for eligible students attending public community colleges or vocational/technical schools, requiring three years of attendance at an A+ designated school and a minimal high school grade average.

Allows students from unaccredited school districts to apply for reimbursement if they otherwise qualify but attend non-A+ designated schools, with validation by designated school officers and commissioner monitoring.

Requires eligible two-year private vocational or technical schools to maintain Higher Learning Commission accreditation, be designated 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and charge reimbursement rates not exceeding comparable public community college tuition.