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    *According to DESE, The Missouri Option Program is designed for public school students who are at least 17 years of age. 

    The following items are required for each student at the time of registration: 

     

    Social Security Card 
    Birth Certificate 
    Copy of Immunization Records 
    Proof of City Residence  
    Valid Missouri ID, Permit, or Driver's License  
     

    *If applying from any district outside of St. Louis Public Schools, please provide a copy of the student's high school transcript, discipline record, and IEP if applicable. 

     

    Enrollment/Registration Process

    • Students, along with their parents(s) or guardian(s), must complete and sign The Missouri Option Program Application & Contract. Applications and contracts are completed in person at Fresh Start Academy on Thursdays between 8:00 am-12:00 pm.  

      • Students may need to have their referring school’s guidance counselor complete a referral form, along with a signature from the referring school’s Principal/Dean of Students. 

    • Once the application has been completed, students will return all documents to the Fresh Start Secretary. At this time, students will be instructed to return on a Friday from 8:00 am-12:00 pm to take a diagnostic test.  

      • If students meet the academic standards for Fresh Start Academy (7th grade level), they will be permitted to enroll in the Missouri Option Program. 

      • If students do not meet the academic standards for Fresh Start Academy (7th grade level), they will be given information regarding other graduation routes, which may include returning to their original high school to obtain a traditional high school diploma.*

    • According to DESE, if the student has a 504 plan or an IEP, the 504 plan or IEP must indicate that participation in the Missouri Option Program is appropriate for the student.

      • All Special Education Documents will be reviewed by the Fresh Start Academy Special Education teacher before enrollment.  

    *Please advise that anyone 17 years of age or older can schedule the HiSET on their own time, without being enrolled in school. If they pass, they will receive a High School Equivalency Certification (formerly GED) only, NOT a High School Diploma. Successful completion of the Missouri Option Program allows students to obtain a High School Diploma. 

    Registration is on Thursdays between 8:00 am-12:00 pm.

    Diagnostic Tests are given on Fridays between 8:00 am-12:00 pm.

    Call 314-531-2220 for more information.