The Missouri Option Program began during the 2002-2003 school year. To offer this program, local schools must meet requirements established by the GED Testing Service and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  Participation is voluntary for schools and students. 

 

The Missouri Option is designed to target students who have the capabilities to complete Missouri High School Graduation Requirements, but for a variety of reasons lack the credits needed to graduate with their class and are at risk of leaving school without a high school diploma.

 

The program specifically, targets those students who are 17 years of age or older and are at least one year behind their cohort group or for other significant reasons identified in the local The Missouri Option Program plan.

 

School Districts approved by DESE to participate in the The Missouri Option Program can continue to receive average daily attendance funds for the participating students. Additionally, students will remain in school and are not counted as dropouts when it is time to take the GED Tests. Once the school district issues a diploma, participants are then counted as High School Graduates.