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Question: With my Mother's permission, I wanted to drop out of school, but they did not allow me to. I asked them to call my Mom and they said 'NO' go to class.

Answer: Arizona law (ARS 15-803) states that 'It is unlawful for any child between six and sixteen years of age to fail to attend school during the hours school is in session.' So, a kid must be over 16 years of age to legally drop out of school.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule (ARS 15-802). If a kids is 16 or under, he can legally not attend school only if he and his parents prove to the school's principal that:

1. The child is in such physical or mental condition that instruction is inexpedient or impracticable.

2. The child has completed high school studies necessary for completion of grade ten.

3. The child is over fourteen years of age and is, with the consent of the person who has custody of him, employed at some lawful wage earning occupation.

4. The child is enrolled in a work training, career education, vocational or manual training program which meets the approved standards

5. The child is either: (a) Suspended and not directed to participate in an alternative education program. (b) Expelled from a public school.

7. The child is enrolled in an education program provided by a state institution.

Special Thanks to the Arizona Department of Education for assistance answering this question.


Comments
1 thru 5 of 40 comments
On 12/10/08
alica from GA said:
please dont drop out.yuo might have a great feature ahead of you dont drop it know kep your head up and stay in the game!
On 12/10/08
alica from AR said:
hi, i juss wanted to say that you are not grown yet.you should not have the right to drop out of school.please deal w ith your life and get a good education.listen to your mom and have a great life!!!!
On 02/21/07
Tyler from FL said:
Hey, I am 14 and I want to drop out and get my GED. I have already discussed this with my parents and they think it is a good idea because I already have a few good job options. The question I have is if I am able to do this, is it legal to drop out and get my GED at 14? I will be 15 in a few months too.
On 05/12/06
angie from FL said:
Don't drop out of school! its a stupid mistake that you make when your young and will effect you your whole life. take my sister for an example she droped out her SR. year, 3 weeks until she graduates. think about it
On 05/08/06
Emmanuel from CA said:
do NOT drop out of highschool! I was on home studies after my sophomore year cuz I didnt want to "have to go to school" and so i could work at my own pace, and let me tell you it was the BIGGEST mistake I had EVER made! If it was my choice, I would have went back to real school, but it wasn't as I was kicked out and never let back in. I tried 4 or 5 times to go back and have the PRIVLAGE of going to an actual school. Before you drop out, let me tell you the GOOD things that a real school offers, the ability & possiblity to make friends, hanging out with your friends at lunch, teachers to help
1 thru 5 of 40 comments



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