By default, the Mac App Store only offers the latest version of macOS. It hides older versions. Ventura (13) is the current version. If your MacBook Pro is so old that it can run El Capitain, I believe it won't be able to run Ventura.
What is the exact model name in the About This Mac dialog in the Apple () menu? (Model name including year and time of year – no serial numbers). The hardware model and model year will determine whether, and how far, you can upgrade beyond El Capitan.
Once you know how far you can upgrade, you can choose from among compatible options here:
How to download and install macOS - Apple Support
Note that Catalina, Big Sur, or Monterey, those versions of macOS will not run 32-bit applications. If your MacBook Pro is recent enough to qualify for Big Sur or Monterey (which are among the "most recent three" and therefore more likely to support current commercial applications), what to do about any old non-built-in 32-bit applications you are running would be something to plan for before doing the upgrade.