Student Handbook
- Diploma Program Student Handbook - PDF version (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
- Diploma Program Application Form - PDF version (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Missouri High School is to provide courses through a variety of delivery methods, that will complement traditional high school curricula, and to provide an accredited diploma program for independent learners of all ages seeking an alternative to traditional high school attendance.
Accreditation: University of Missouri High School
The University of Missouri High School is accredited by the Commission on International and Transregional Accreditation, and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. In addition, most core courses offered by MU High School have been approved by the National Collegiate Athletic Association for establishing initial-eligibility certification of student-athletes. .
Admission to the MU High School Diploma Program
Students can apply for admission to the MU High School diploma program any time of the year. In order to complete the application process, the student must provide the following:- a completed application form
- an official transcript of all completed high school courses beginning with grade nine
- a $25 application fee
- documentation of any additional coursework completed.
Students under the age of 18 who are residents of a school district in the United States must submit written permission from a school official in their district to enter our diploma program, or they must supply written verification that they are in compliance with their state's home schooling or education requirements. (Please see the "Local School approval Form" on the MU High School Diploma Application.)
To validate their acceptance into our diploma program: Students must enroll in at least one course within 30 days of their acceptance notification. Therefore, students should not apply to our diploma program until they are ready to enroll in one or more courses.
Advisement
After a student has been accepted into the diploma program, an advisor will be assigned to work with the student in planning a schedule of courses to meet the specific needs of the student.
Transfer Credit
Academic credit earned at other schools may be transferred to MU High School. All high school credit earned from schools accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or state department of education will be accepted toward meeting diploma requirements. Transfer credit will be awarded in Carnegie Units.
Credit earned in foreign schools and non-accredited domestic schools needs to be validated. MU High School uses the Iowa Test of Educational Development (ITED) in this process. Academic credit in science, mathematics, English, and social studies may be validated. There is a $25 fee for this test. The test must be ordered from MU High School and be administered by an approved test supervisor.
Home schooled high school students must provide a listing of the subjects studied at each grade level, along with a listing of the major textbook (title and publisher) used in each course. In addition, other pertinent documents such as transcripts or portfolios should be provided. Home schooled students may also be required to take the ITED to validate their credit.
In order to receive a diploma from the University of Missouri High School, students must successfully complete a minimum of their five final courses (2 1/2 units) after acceptance into our diploma program, regardless of the number of credits earned at other schools.
Fees
The enrollment fees for students who have been accepted into the MU High School diploma program are the same as those for other MU High School students. The per course administrative handling fee will be charged for MU High School diploma students' first course enrollment only, and waived for all subsequent course enrollments.
Time Limits
Students have nine months to complete an MU High School course. If needed, a three-month time extension can be granted upon payment of an additional $35 fee. The minimum time in which a student can complete a course is six weeks after the date of the first lesson submission. Typically, students can complete a half-unit course in three to five months. Other than the per-course time limits, there is no fixed schedule for completing diploma requirements. The time will vary depending on the student’s courseload and how much time he/she can devote to study.
General Diploma Requirements & Sequence of Courses
College Preparatory Diploma Requirements & Sequence of Courses
Dual Enrollment
Students may earn both high school and college credit for selected university level courses taken through the University of Missouri Center for Distance and Independent Study. Students are responsible for the appropriate fees and should talk with their MU High School counselor or see Dual Enrollment for more information.
University of Missouri High School Bulletin
The University of Missouri High School Bulletin is a valuable resource for information regarding:
MU High School: Office Hours; Location; Web Site; Student Services.
Enrollment Information: Enrollment Procedure; Tuition Rates; Fees; Refunds; Course Materials.
High School Curriculum: High School Course Descriptions; Course Development; Computer-Evaluated Courses; Gifted Program; Group Enrollments.
Academic Policies: Academic Integrity; Course Information; Lesson and Exam Policies and Procedures; Grade Reports and Transcripts; Course Transfers, Extensions, and Withdrawals.
Online Program: Online Lesson Submission; Online Student Services; Online Courses.
UM County Extension Centers: Locations, Addresses, and Telephone Numbers of Extension Centers.
University of Missouri Center for Distance and Independent Study: University Curriculum; Middle School and Elementary Program.
Our annual bulletin is free and available to everyone who requests a copy.
Student Services Office
MU High School maintains a student services office for students needing curriculum information. This office was created to help ensure that our students have a positive educational experience. Questions and concerns about our new high school diploma program should be directed to our student services advisor. Student Services Toll-Free Telephone Number: 1-800-609-3727.
Questions or Comments
If you would like more information about MU High School, please contact us by telephone, mail, e-mail, or fax. We are committed to providing quick, helpful, and friendly service to all students. Our staff members are trained to accurately respond to the questions and needs of everyone interested in distance education.