I was a nerdy, smart kid with my nose perpetually in a book and that trait carried over into adulthood. I'm the guy at the end of the bar more interested in reading my Kindle than socializing with strangers. Yet I've never been offered freebies based on how much I read or how smart I am! Oh, to be a kid again.
I should note I started this post in May, but kind of lost track of time 🙂 No worries though, as all the offers below should still be active for the rest of this summer or beyond.
There are a lot of other websites with outdated information on freebies for good grades. I only included offers I could verify to some degree, but I strongly encourage you check with your own locations no matter what! Since these restaurants are usually franchises, offers heavily vary by location.
Rewards via Report Cards
Applebee's – While not quite nationwide, they confirmed on Twitter that it's up to your local restaurant as to whether or not they give out freebies for good grades.
One of the largest Applebee's franchise, RMH Franchise, operates 135 Applebee's locationas in 15 states. They offer an A is for Applebee's program, where students 12 and under can get a free meal from the Kid's Menu if they receive an A on their report card. Many other freebie sites erroneously say this is a nationwide deal, but it's a great example of what kind of offer you can expect if your local franchise participates!
Baskin Robbins – They also confirmed on Twitter that giving away free scoops is “at the discretion of each franchise owner.” So call your local creamery!
Cheryl's Cookies – Their Cookies for A's program is for K-8th grade students. It's so popular, they enshrined it within their Public Relations page!
A very popular program at Cheryl's is the Cheryl's Cookies for A's. Students present their report cards at retail locations and receive a free cookie per A, for up to 3 A's they have earned.
Chuck E. Cheese – Anybody can print their Super Student Award 🙂 It's a redeemable certificate for 10 free tokens per day, however a food purchase is required.
Family Video – Throughout the month of June, students get a free overnight movie or video game rental for every A on their final report card.
Financial Institutions – Hundreds of small banks, credit unions, and even insurance companies offer rewards for good grades as well! I highly suggest checking the website of any smaller institution you're with, as well as asking your local branch. I've seen some small banks offering up to $25 for good grades! Others offered smaller cash rewards, discounts, and other prizes.
I wish these offers had been around when I was a kid. I would have made some serious cash!
Jason's Deli – They replaced their old JDPickleCards offer with a new Kids Cash system. Kids under 12 got a free kid's meal at participating locations.
Pizza Hut – Pizza Hut used to have a site dedicated to this, but I believe it's since degraded to a “location specific” freebie. I'd definitly call ahead and ask! Hopefully they still recognize the great and classic Pizza Hut good grades deal. Seriously, I can remember getting this freebie in the late 80s!
Each marking period, any child who has 3 A’s or the equivalent thereof, will receive one Personal Pan Pizza and a small soft drink or carton of milk by presenting his or her report card to the manager. This offer is good for Elementary and Middle School students. Dine-in only. Students must be present and the original report card must be presented.
Unconfirmed or Old Freebies
Other sites report the following companies give freebies for good grades, but I've been unable to verify these claims on a nationwide basis. I've reached out to the following companies on Twitter, so please feel free to also message them and help get an answer 🙂
In the meantime, before trying to redeem any of these below, I'd make sure you call ahead first.
- Bob Evans – As of 2019, the Star Student program “is not a program that is currently active at our restaurants.”
- Burger King – Free hamburger or ice cream cone for scoring 100% on a test. This sounds crazy regional.
- Chick-fil-A – Free 8 pack of nuggets if you have all A's and B's on a report card.
- Coldstone Creamery
- IHOP
- Krispy Kreme – Free original glazed donut for each A, up to a half-dozen.
- Marco's Pizza – Free one-topping pizza.
- McDonald's – K-5 grade students with straight A's get a free Happy Meal. 6-12 grade students get a free Value Meal.
- Sonic
- The Melting Pot – The Boca Raton, FL location offers a free three or four course meal for straight A's! Others might have similar deals
- Wendy's
I'll keep this list updated as I find new offers, so if you find anything I missed, please let me know in the comments!
