Missouri Options & Other Pathways

Maplewood Richmond Heights High School recognizes that all students do not learn in the same manner or at the same pace, but that all students can learn.  To that end the school offers a variety of educational options.  Students may utilize these options, but are urged to do so only after consultation with parents, counselors and administrators.

The Missouri Option Program is a state certified program that provides students with an alternative path for earning a high school diploma. Students in this program earn their diploma by completing specific courses and passing the HiSET exam. 

Students in the Missouri Option program typically attend MRH for half a day to work on required credits and prep for the HiSET test. Students are expected to use the rest of their day to work a minimum of 15 hours a week. 

To enter the Missouri Option Program students must:

1. Be at least 17 years of age

2. Be credit deficient and at least one year behind their cohort class

3. Test at the 9th grade level on the TABE test (HiSET pre-test)

To earn a high school diploma through the Missouri Option Program students must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete credits for American Government, Personal Finance and Health

2. Take the End of Course exams for English 2, Algebra 1, Government, and Biology

3. Take a DESE approved required college prep test

4. Provide proof of employment for a minimum of 15 hours a week until graduation

Pass all sections of the HiSET Test 

The State Department of Education may grant certificates of equivalency of high school graduation to those who successfully complete all five parts of the High School Equivalency Test.  The HiSET tests involve comprehensive examinations in writing skills, social studies, science, reading skills, and mathematics.  A person must meet one of the following requirements:

• Be 18 years of age or older.

• Be 17 years of age and out of school at least 6 months from the last day of school attendance.

When the HiSET Test is passed as part of high school program called Missouri Options, students receive a high school diploma issued by the school district rather than the high school.  Admission to this program has additional requirements to those listed above for the state’s issued High School Equivalency Certificate.  

When parents, students, and school staff agree that the student cannot achieve the degree of proficiency necessary to meet the graduation requirements, the student and parents shall apply in writing for the student to be placed in a program leading to a Certificate of Attendance.  The school staff may recommend to the parent and the student that the student be placed in the program. The criteria that a student must meet to be placed in the Certificate of Attendance program are as follows:

• Placement should be made on entry into the ninth grade, but must be made prior to the fifth semester of high school attendance.

• A student’s record and test scores indicate that a student will be unable to earn a diploma.

• The results of a staffing, Special School District evaluation, and recommendation indicate that the student be placed in the program.

• A program of studies is developed which will better meet the needs of the student.