Comprehensive Guide To Free Rewards And Discounts For Students With Good Grades

Many companies across the United States recognize academic achievement by offering free rewards and discounts to students with good grades. These programs provide an additional incentive for students to excel in their studies while giving parents opportunities to celebrate their children's successes. From free ice cream and meals to insurance discounts, numerous businesses participate in these good grade reward programs. This guide provides detailed information about the various offers available, eligibility requirements, and how to redeem these rewards.

Restaurant and Food Chain Rewards

Numerous restaurant chains and food establishments offer complimentary items to students who demonstrate academic excellence. These rewards range from free ice cream cones to complete meals, making them popular incentives for students of various ages.

Ice Cream and Dessert Shops

Several ice cream shops participate in good grade reward programs:

• Baskin-Robbins provides a free scoop of ice cream for students who bring in their report cards. Participation may vary by location, so checking with the local Baskin-Robbins store is recommended.

• Coldstone Creamery offers free ice cream to kids who bring in good grades on their report card at some locations. However, participation varies by location, so it is advisable to check with the local store to confirm availability.

• Dairy Queen provides a free ice cream as a reward for good grades at select locations when students present their report cards. Additionally, Dairy Queen has a Sweet Rewards Program that tracks students' attendance and reading progress, offering additional opportunities to earn freebies.

Family Restaurant Chains

Several family restaurant chains offer meal rewards for academic achievement:

• Applebee's operates a program called "A is for Applebee's" where students aged 12 and under can receive a free meal from the kid's menu if they receive an A on their report card.

• IHOP rewards students for good grades on their report cards at many locations, though participation varies. Some restaurants offer a free kids' meal, while others provide a free short stack of pancakes. Contacting the local IHOP is necessary to verify participation.

• The Melting Pot offers a FREE kids' entree (for children 12 and under) or chocolate fondue (for ages 13+) with the purchase of an adult entree through their Great Grades Club. Participation varies by location, so checking with the local establishment is recommended.

• Jason's Deli has replaced their previous JDPickleCards offer with a new Kids Cash system, where kids under 12 can receive a free kid's meal at participating locations.

Quick Service Restaurants

• Bob Evans provides a free treat, such as a scoop of ice cream, to students who earn all A's on their report card.

• Pizza Hut offers a reward where each marking period, any child with 3 A's or the equivalent receives one Personal Pan Pizza and a small soft drink or carton of milk by presenting their report card to the manager. This offer is available for Elementary and Middle School students.

• Sonic Drive-In allows schools to request free food coupons that they can distribute to kids for good behavior or good grades. Parents should check with their school to see if they participate in this program.

Insurance Company Discounts

Several insurance companies offer discounts to students who maintain good grades, which can result in significant savings for families:

• Allstate provides a Smart Student Discount for full-time students with good grades. They do not specify what constitutes "good grades" or the amount of savings, so contacting a personal agent is necessary for details.

• Amica has a form that can be filled out to request a good grade discount.

• Farmer's Insurance offers a "good student" promotion where full-time students in high school or college under the age of 25 may qualify for a discount with good grades.

• Geico provides a "good student discount" on insurance available when driving-aged teens maintain a B average or better.

• Liberty Mutual requires a GPA of B or better to qualify for their good student discount.

• Nationwide offers discounts on auto insurance for student drivers aged 16-24 who maintain a B average. Homeschooled students also qualify if they score in the top 20% of a test's national performance.

Financial Institution Rewards

Many financial institutions recognize academic achievement through various reward programs:

• Hundreds of small banks, credit unions, and insurance companies offer rewards for good grades. For example, First Southern National Bank has been known to offer up to $25 for good grades, though other institutions may offer smaller cash rewards, discounts, or other prizes.

• Students and parents should check the websites of smaller financial institutions they work with and inquire at their local branches about available good grade reward programs.

How to Redeem These Offers

Redeeming good grade rewards typically follows a straightforward process, though requirements may vary by establishment:

1. Obtain the Report Card: Students need to have their report card that shows their grades. Some places may require original copies, while others may accept photocopies.

2. Contact the Location First: Since many of these programs are franchise-based, participation can vary significantly by location. It is recommended to call ahead and confirm that the specific location participates in the good grade reward program.

3. Visit the Establishment: Students should bring their report card when visiting the participating establishment to claim their reward.

4. Present the Report Card: The student may need to show their report card to a manager or staff member to verify eligibility.

5. Receive the Reward: Once eligibility is confirmed, the student will receive their reward, whether it's a free item, discount, or other incentive.

It's important to note that some rewards may have specific limitations, such as age restrictions (like Applebee's 12-and-under policy) or requirements to purchase another item (like The Melting Pot's policy of requiring an adult entree purchase).

Alternative Reward Ideas

For those seeking ways to celebrate good grades beyond business-sponsored rewards, several alternative celebration ideas exist:

• Summer Kickoff Sleepover: Host a sleepover to celebrate the end of the school year or a successful academic period. This can be coordinated with other families whose children have achieved academic excellence.

• End of Year Party: For older students, consider an end-of-year party with yearbook journals, a photo area with props, or a supervised bonfire where students can burn their papers (though parents should be aware this creates messy paper ash).

• Smores Making: An enjoyable activity that can be incorporated into other celebrations, providing a sweet treat while commemorating academic achievements.

These alternative rewards allow parents to create personalized celebrations that fit their family's preferences and budget while still recognizing and rewarding academic success.

Conclusion

Good grade reward programs offer numerous benefits for students, parents, and participating businesses. Students receive recognition for their academic achievements through tangible rewards, parents have additional tools to motivate their children's education, and businesses build goodwill and attract families through these promotions.

The variety of available rewards spans multiple categories, from food and entertainment to financial services. While many national chains offer these programs, participation often varies by location, particularly with franchise establishments. Therefore, it is essential for parents and students to verify participation with specific locations before attempting to redeem rewards.

As the school year progresses, maintaining good grades can lead to multiple rewards throughout the year, creating additional incentives for students to excel academically. By taking advantage of these programs and incorporating personal celebration ideas, parents can make academic achievement a rewarding and celebrated experience for their children.

Sources

1. Good Grades Report Card Freebies - Passionate Penny Pincher
2. Good Grades Report Card Rewards - Hip2Save
3. 11 Free Rewards for Students with Good Grades - 247 Moms
4. Report Card Freebies - Fabulessly Frugal
5. Good Grades Freebies - Hey, It's Free!
6. Freebies for Good Report Cards - Pinterest