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Question: Can a 16 year old dropout?

Answer:

No. Arizona law (A.R.S. § 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 (A.R.S. § 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 35 comments
On 11/14/03
kristena from TX said:
I think we shoud not be able to make a chocie if we want to go to highschool.Its just wasting money!
On 09/24/03
nikkole from AZ said:
i think it should be ok for us to drop out i am 14 and i think i have learned anuff from my teachers and get a good job cause i dont think i realy need to no that much history to work at a deli or food market or gas station u realy only need math skills and by the tiem u are in 8th grad any ways u have all u need when are grandparents were 14 - 16 year olds either they didnt go to school or they did but were marrie bye the time they were are age so yes i think it is ok for us to drop out
On 09/09/03
Amanda from PA said:
I'm almost 16 and I was planning on dropping out of school and get my GED. That was until I found out that you have to be over 16. It's horrible that you can't make a decision that will affect your life, everybody always thinks that they know what's best for us, but the truth is that they don't. I started school when I was 5 years old, I have been in school for almost 12 years I think I have the basic Knowledge that I need to live my life. What does reading old stories and answering stupid questions have to do with Putting make-up on people and doing hair?
On 05/20/03
Shea from MI said:
i think by the time you turn 16 you should be able decide either if you want to attend school or not and also i dont think we need any more school after 8th grade we basically learn everything we need to know between k-8
On 03/26/03
jimmy g from TX said:
can i drop out of school if i am pregnant
26 thru 30 of 35 comments



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