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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
6 thru 10 of 40 comments
On 02/03/06
Cade from MS said:
If I am 16 years old, do I have to have my parent's permission to drop out of school in Mississippi.
On 01/26/06
N/A from TX said:
I am 17 yrs of age...is it legal for me to drop out at 17 without my parents consent?
On 01/04/06
Julian from FL said:
What age can i drop out of school if i am 15 years old.(I live in Florida)Can My Mom just Sign a paper or something.I need an answer asap.
On 12/14/05
natalia from TX said:
Getting your GED is nothing compared to graduating from school to get your diploma...sure either both ways you can go to college,the only thing is that getting your GED is only going to pay you less than graduating from high school with your diploma.
On 11/10/05
Monica from OH said:
there are many alternatives to school in a building such as online schooling or you GED every person in my family has droped out of school in the 9th or 10th grade im in the 11th and dropping out now to school online if a military carrer is what you want your recruter will help you if you drop out and are under age say 17 get a job and a GED if youre 18 theres nothing they can do to stop you.
6 thru 10 of 40 comments


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