Dora Honors Program Based On Arkansas Model

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• Last Updated on February 14, 2012
• Written by Paydan Davis

This school year Dora High School, in Dora, Missouri, has implemented a new program called the Honors program. The program is based on the Senior Scholars Program at Valley Spring High School in Valley Spring, Arkansas, a school that has some of the highest academic scores in the state. Lavina Grandon, founder of the Senior Scholars Program and policy director for the Rural Community Alliance, worked with teachers from Dora and other communities at last spring’s Thomasville Rendezvous.

The goal of Dora’s Honors program is to increase the academic rigor of high-school courses and better prepare students for college. During the 2011-12 school year, Honors courses are being offered in the subject areas of English, History, and Science. Honor students must sign a contract with the following requirements: Honor students will keep absences to a minimum, be punctual and prepared, complete extra coursework, remain in good standing with the administration, avoid plagiarism and cheating, maintain a GPA of 2.5, display good character, complete a specified number of ACT-practice tests, and a specified number of community service hours. These requirements should serve to boost college-readiness, increase student ACT scores, and promote community involvement.

When interviewed, students responded positively to the program saying they like it because it challenges them and helps strengthen their transcripts for college. Sophomore Joseph Reyes just wrapped up an Honors project on weird chemists. Joseph is volunteering at his church to complete his community service requirement. Senior Jordan Kaufman is taking Honors courses in three subject areas. He likes the program because it provides more college-level work and believes it is helping the students get a better feel for college.  

All the students involved in the Honors program should be commended for their academic dedication!

For more information on Dora’s effort or the Senior Scholars program in Valley Springs, you can contact The Rural School and Community Trust’s Center for Midwestern Initiatives at 417-848-9083 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .