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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
26 thru 30 of 40 comments
On 03/05/04
kellicia from NY said:
I think that kids shouldn't drop out of highschool /school but if u have plans and really think that u can suceed,but confident then go ahead by all means do what u think...but just remeber that u don't want to regret it later in life.
On 03/01/04
Spencer from OR said:
I was 15 when I decided to drop out last November, and I think it was the best decision I've yet made. I was learning much in high school and thought it would prove worthwhile for me to leave and go to community college and take college level courses. I took a placement test and was put into all college level courses - as a sophomore my knowledge had already surpassed high school standards. I'm currently enrolled in Clackamas Community College and working towards getting enough credits to transfer to OIT for a degree in software engineering. You can drop out if you have plans.
On 02/24/04
dave from NY said:
Hi, i want to know if this goes the same in NEW YORK CITY, because i know different states have different laws
On 02/20/04
karisa from OR said:
i think students shold attened high school for the full 4 years becasue you can get more out of it and when you drop out or get your GED in 2 months it isnt as good because you wont get into a good collage you should take that advice because my sister got her GED and didnt get into a very good collage
On 02/11/04
Josh from ID said:
I am 17 years old and I still attend highschool. Formy first point, i'd like the start with the elder people leaving their comments and arguing that no child should drop out, well when reading the comments almost everyone of them had spelling errors. Well if it doesnt seem like highschool helped them out if they cant even spell things like 'diploma'. I do agree, highschool sucks, its hard and its boring as heck. But dropping out isnt the answer.
26 thru 30 of 40 comments


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