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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
11 thru 15 of 40 comments
On 11/07/05
Travis from VA said:
Can anyone tell me what is the legal age to drop out of high school in Virginia? Any help would be appriciated.
On 11/05/05
Tony from CA said:
What age can you drop out of high school in California? They say you have to be 16, but is there a way to drop out at 15?
On 10/25/05
Terra from FL said:
What is the age of dropping out in FL.,with a parent signture.
On 08/24/05
Chalbi from RI said:
think outside the box, don't by school's the only option checkout these books: The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education by Grace Llewellyn Homeschooling: The Teen Years : Your Complete Guide to Successfully Homeschooling the 13- to 18- Year-Old by Cafi Cohen The UnCollege Alternative: Your Guide to Incredible Careers and Amazing Adventures Outside College Teenager's Guide to School Outside the Box by Rebecca Greene Especially Read Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling John Taylor Gatto
On 08/24/05
Amanda from TX said:
but it's who you know that really counts.
11 thru 15 of 40 comments


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