What if your next Chick-fil-A run didn’t cost a dime—thanks to your kid’s report card?
It turns out, good grades can do more than open academic doors—they can get you free nuggets, ice cream, and even video game tokens. Across the U.S., select Chick-fil-A locations and other popular chains are quietly rewarding students with free food and treats for bringing home A’s and B’s. It’s not a universal policy, and you won’t find it plastered across national ads. But for families in the know, it’s a simple way to celebrate academic effort with something kids actually care about: snacks.
From chicken nuggets to donuts and arcade passes, these grade-based giveaways are more common than you might think—and they’re not just for little kids. Here’s what’s being offered, where to look, and how to take full advantage of it.
What’s the Deal?
Some Chick-fil-A locations are rewarding students who bring in a report card showing all A’s and B’s with free food. The exact reward depends on the individual franchise, but popular offerings include a free 8-count chicken nugget order, a Kid’s Meal, or a small Icedream cone. It’s a low-key but meaningful incentive aimed at recognizing academic achievement in a way kids actually get excited about.
This isn’t a nationwide Chick-fil-A promotion. Each restaurant is independently operated, so participation is up to the local owner. For example, one location in Goose Creek, South Carolina, gave straight-A students a free Kid’s Meal, while A/B Honor Roll students received a free ice cream treat. Other stores may have slightly different rules or grade requirements, and some might not participate at all.
The rewards aren’t limited to one grade level either. Many promotions apply to elementary and middle school students, though some locations extend the offer to high schoolers as well. A few even accept improved grades as a qualifier.
The best way to find out if your local Chick-fil-A is participating is to call ahead or check their social media page. Don’t assume every store is running the promotion—this is one case where asking first pays off.
How It Works
Claiming the reward is simple—but only if you know what to expect. First, a student needs to show a report card with all A’s and B’s. Some locations accept straight A’s only, while others allow a mix of A’s and B’s. A few may even recognize improved grades from the previous grading period. Either way, the report card is the ticket.
Bring a physical or digital copy of the report card to the participating Chick-fil-A and present it when ordering. In some cases, the student must be present; in others, a parent showing the report card might be enough. It depends entirely on the franchise.
There’s no official list of which Chick-fil-A stores are participating, so calling ahead is crucial. Some locations post updates on their local Facebook or Instagram pages, while others may run the promotion quietly and rely on word of mouth. If the cashier isn’t aware of the deal, asking to speak to a manager usually helps clarify whether the store is taking part.
Keep in mind that promotions like this typically happen around report card season—end of semester or end of school year. They’re not usually long-term offers, so timing matters. You also might find that stores limit the promotion to certain age groups, typically elementary through middle school students, but again, this varies.
Other Places Offering Freebies for Good Grades
Chick-fil-A isn’t the only chain offering rewards for academic performance. A number of restaurants and entertainment venues across the U.S. provide similar incentives—some even stackable if you’re willing to make a few extra stops. Here are several popular options:
Krispy Kreme
Select locations give away one free donut per A, up to six donuts per student. Just bring in a recent report card and ask at the counter. This one’s especially popular with younger students, so supplies can go fast during peak times.
McDonald’s
Some franchises offer a free Happy Meal for students with straight A’s. Like Chick-fil-A, this promotion isn’t advertised nationally, and not all locations participate. But if you’re already stopping in, it’s worth asking.
Chuck E. Cheese
With a printable “Super Student Award” diploma and a report card full of A’s and B’s, students can earn 10 free play points. Some locations require a food purchase with the deal. The chain has been offering this promotion for years, and it’s one of the more consistent ones available.
IHOP
Participating IHOP locations offer a free Kid’s Meal to students who present a report card with good grades. Some stores only recognize straight A’s; others accept A’s and B’s.
Burger King
In certain cities, students can get a free cheeseburger just for showing a report card with high marks. The reward might vary by location, and not all stores participate, so this one also requires a quick call ahead.
Marco’s Pizza
Students can score a free one-topping personal pizza in some Marco’s Pizza locations. Offers are typically limited to one pizza per student, and only for report cards with A’s in core subjects.
Family Video (Note: This is more regional and seasonal)
When operating, Family Video stores offered free movie or game rentals per A, with a cap. The promotion typically ran through June, and sometimes included affiliated Marco’s Pizza locations offering a bonus free pizza.
Rascal’s Fun Zone & Indy’s Incredible Buffet (Indiana)
At some regional family entertainment centers, report cards translate to free games, bumper cars, or arcade tokens. For example, straight A’s at Rascal’s Fun Zone can earn kids passes to multiple attractions, while Indy’s Incredible Buffet gives students game credits even for showing academic improvement.
Tips for Parents and Students
If your child just wrapped up the school year with strong grades, don’t let those A’s and B’s go unnoticed. Here’s how to make the most of these academic reward programs—without wasting time or facing awkward surprises at the counter:
1. Keep a Copy of the Report Card Handy
Whether it’s a physical printout or a digital screenshot on your phone, have a clear, official version ready. Some businesses may ask to see it before honoring the offer. Don’t rely on verbal confirmation alone.
2. Call Ahead—Every Time
Even if a national brand is known to offer rewards, it doesn’t mean every location participates. Chick-fil-A, for instance, leaves the decision up to each franchise owner. A quick phone call or check of their local social media page can save you a trip.
3. Stack the Deals
If multiple businesses near you are offering rewards, don’t be shy about visiting more than one. Start with a Chick-fil-A lunch, grab a donut at Krispy Kreme, and let your child play a few rounds at Chuck E. Cheese. Many families turn it into a mini “grade day” celebration.
4. Ask About Age or Grade Limits
Some promotions are only for K–8 students, while others might extend to high schoolers. It’s not always advertised clearly, so ask to avoid any confusion.
5. Look for Less Obvious Perks
Beyond restaurants, banks, movie rental stores, and family entertainment centers also offer incentives—sometimes even cash bonuses or free games. Smaller, local businesses might not advertise online but may still offer rewards if you ask.
6. Use It as a Teachable Moment
These rewards aren’t just fun—they’re a great way to reinforce the idea that hard work has real-world payoffs. It’s also an opportunity to talk about goals, consistency, and celebrating effort as much as outcomes.
Real Incentives for Real Effort
Unlike abstract praise or long-term rewards, these incentives provide direct feedback. A child sees a tangible outcome from their hard work, and that connection helps build motivation over time. For younger students especially, the excitement of earning a treat or extra play time can make the idea of doing well in school feel less like a chore and more like a goal with real-world perks.
This isn’t about bribery—it’s about recognition. Just as adults appreciate bonuses or perks for meeting goals, kids also benefit from knowing that someone sees and values their achievements. When a company like Chick-fil-A or Krispy Kreme steps in to say, “Nice job,” it adds a layer of validation beyond the classroom or kitchen table.
Even more powerful is when parents join in—not just to claim the freebie, but to use the moment to affirm effort and progress. The reward becomes less about the food and more about the shared celebration of persistence and follow-through.
Check, Ask, Reward
Before you head out the door hoping to score free food or fun, take a minute to double-check the details. These grade-based rewards aren’t guaranteed everywhere, and policies can change without notice. A quick phone call or glance at a location’s social media can save you time and frustration.
Ask directly. Most of these promotions aren’t posted on big signs or official websites—they’re local decisions made by store managers or franchise owners. Simply asking, “Do you offer anything for students with good grades?” can be enough to unlock a freebie or learn about unlisted perks.
And finally, don’t miss the bigger opportunity: reward the effort, not just the outcome. Whether your child walks out with free nuggets, a donut, or just a high five, the message should be the same—hard work gets noticed.
So keep that report card handy, stay curious about which local businesses are participating, and use these small wins to build lasting habits. After all, motivation doesn’t always come from big speeches or long-term goals—sometimes, it starts with a nugget and a smile.
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