Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores Middle School has been selected as one of 16 schools in Alabama to join Cohort 18 of the A+ College Ready College and Career Readiness Program. This statewide initiative, in partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education, aims to prepare students for success in college, careers, and life by expanding access to Advanced Placement (AP) and other challenging courses for grades 6-12. Participating schools receive training, incentives, supplies, curricular materials, student study sessions, AP exam subsidies, and ongoing support. Gulf Shores Middle School will participate in this program through May 2028.

Tammy Dunn, Vice President for Academic Affairs at A+ College Ready, emphasized the importance of challenging and supporting students in school to ensure their success after K-12 education. She stated that a commitment to high expectations and classroom rigor will have a lasting impact on students.

The schools joining A+ College Ready Cohort 18 include:

• Gulf Shores Middle School
• Central School
• Deshler Middle School
• Floretta P. Carson Visual and Performing Arts Academy
• Fort Payne High School
• Handley High School
• Handley Middle School
• Madison County Elementary School
• Moody Jr. High School
• Oakman Middle School
• Oneonta High School
• Oneonta Middle School
• Opelika High School
• Springville High School
• St. Clair County High School
• Sylacauga High School

The A+ College Ready Program offers extensive training and support for teachers and students in both high school and middle school. High school AP students participate in virtual study sessions led by experienced teachers, benefit from reduced exam fees, and can earn financial incentives based on academic success. Middle school students can earn financial incentives for demonstrating growth and achievement between 7th and 8th grades. Teachers receive weeklong summer training institutes, additional professional development throughout the year, ongoing support from expert content directors, financial stipends based on academic results, and necessary classroom resources to implement AP and A+ College Ready curricular frameworks.

A+ College Ready, a program of A+ Education Partnership, believes that all students can achieve at high levels. Since 2008, it has partnered with nearly 500 Alabama middle and high schools to develop a diverse pipeline of students prepared for success in college, careers, and life. The program offers high-quality, content-specific teacher training and rigorous curricula aligned with Alabama Courses of Study and the College Board's AP requirements. It supports 58 courses across various subjects, including math, science, English, social studies, computer science, art, and Spanish, comprising 34 non-AP courses and 24 AP courses.

A+ Education Partnership strives to ensure every Alabama student has access to a world-class education, regardless of circumstance. By partnering with educators, communities, and policymakers, it advocates for and expands access to high-quality education so that every student can thrive.

For more information, please visit www.aplusala.org.