The Missouri Options Program, sponsored by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, is for students ages 17-20 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 Missouri Options program provides seniors at risk of not graduating or dropping out an alternative opportunity to earn a Joplin High School diploma. Also, the program offers those students who have dropped out an opportunity to return to school to earn a high school diploma. Each student interested in the Missouri Options program will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The program provides an opportunity for these students to earn a Joplin High School diploma by meeting the specific requirements.