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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
16 thru 20 of 40 comments
On 08/24/05
Amanda from TX said:
That's ridiculous. How the heck do you know that if someone drops out of school they will be a low life looser. Heck there are people that have went to college that are low life loosers and even those who went to ivy league who are. First of all I am out of college now and the people I am working with who have went are making the same as I am. So in other words people with GED's, High School Diplomas and those with College degrees are making the same money. And duh if I've learned anything, i've learned that' it's not what you know, but who you know. You maybe have gone to Harvard.
On 01/10/05
Stephanie from OK said:
It is utterly stupid for having such laws as these. It's like they see all minors as inmature and ignorant. I think if we have permission from our gardians and/or a good reason, then nothing else should matter. It's not like we can't get a G.E.D, then get a pail grant to go to callegd. Dropping out will not ruin our lives as teachers and everone tells us.
On 05/18/04
JESSICA from TX said:
I WAS WOUNDERING IF YOU DROP OUT OF SCHOOL WOULD THIS RUIN MY LIFE BECAUSE THE REASON I WANT TO DROP OUT IS BECAUSE I REALLY THINK MY MOTHER SHE NEEDS HELP PAYING THE BILLS AT HOME SO CAN I DROP OUT OR I CAN NOT DROP OUT..... ANSWER I REALLY NEED IT....
On 05/03/04
Kay-C from WA said:
I was wondering what is the age to drop out of school in Washington state? Is it the same all ovet the U.S.?
On 04/28/04
Jesse from AZ said:
16 years.
16 thru 20 of 40 comments


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