About the Missouri Option Program

The Missouri Option Program offers the opportunity to earn a high school diploma for students who are at least 17 years of age, enrolled in Missouri local education agencies (LEAs), and at risk of dropping out or not graduating with their cohort group. Graduation through the Missouri Option Program is not dependent on credit attainment. The Missouri Option Program is an effective program to retain students, lower drop-out rates, and improve college and career readiness.

As part of the Office of Quality Schools, the Grants and Resources unit supports the collaborative w

Missouri Gold Star Schools Program

This state program recognizes high-achieving and improving schools and is admini

Gifted Education Contacts

Acceleration

According to Section 162.722 RSMo, “each school district shall establish a policy, approved by the board of education of that district, that allows acceleration for students who demonstrate: (1) advanced performance or potential for advanced performance and (2) the social and emotional readiness for acceleration.

Missouri's ESSA Consolidated State Plan

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is designed to ensure that all students have a significant opportunity to have a fair and equitable high-quality education and to close educational achievement gaps. These programs provide assistance to rural- and low-income schools and services to students who are migrants, at-risk (including neglected and delinquent), homeless and English learners. In addition, the programs provide assistance to 21^st Century Learning Centers and professional development for teachers and leaders.

The A+ Scholarship Program provides scholarship funds to eligible graduates of A+ designated high schools who attend a participating public community college or vocational/technical school, or certain private two-year vocational/technical schools. Legislation passed in 2016 expanded the A+ Program to non-public high schools.