Tallahassee, FL --12/19/11

Florida is ahead of the curve when it comes to after school programs.
A recent report awards Florida four out of five stars for delivering quality programs to children after the final bell rings.

No state received five stars, and only nine states are given the distinction of four stars. Florida after school program officials say five years ago Florida was at a three-star rating and Floridians should be proud of the recent upgrade.

"All the research in the world tells us that kids in quality afterschool programs do better in school, their promotion rates are higher, their graduation rates are higher, their test scores are higher in reading and math, and they're less likely to get in trouble," said Florida After School Network CEO Larry Pintacuda.

What would make Florida eligible for that fifth star? Officials say it's simple-- More funding for more afterschool programs.