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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
6 thru 10 of 35 comments
On 07/17/06
Nini from CA said:
Everyone, regardless of your age, are ultimately ignorant. You have no idea what it's like to lose interest in education because of other factors in life that seem to be much more important to the at-risk drop out. Family is much more important than education, because there will always be opportunities. Once your mother or father is gone-that's the end of him/her. As for others- not everyone has a lame excuse to drop out. Not everybody needs to be walked through education. Some of us are more mentally developed.
On 04/26/06
Breanna from OH said:
I just found out that my mother is very sick and has the chance of dyeing soon. She is not capable of doing some things and needs me to do them for her. I want to drop out of school so I can be there for her whenever she needs me. I know people want me to stay in school and do good but I want to be with my mother. I have already almost lost twice and I don't want it to be a third time. She has to keep her blood pressure down. With all the things involved with the house and my family that's not so easy to do. I really want to tell my mother I want to drop out but I don't want to disappoint her.
On 04/04/06
dawn from NC said:
i am 15 and my grandmother is really sick.my older sister droped out and has a job so she cant take care of her. my mom has missed yo much work already so she cant stay home. my other sister is 16 and in the 10th grade and is already looking at college so she cant stay home i want/need to drop out my younger sister is only 12 so she cant.what am i going to do? my grandmother cant even walk that good. I have already missed so much school i think i'm going to fell my grade and i am only in the 8th. can i drop pot if my life is this bad? please let me know
On 03/16/06
Nick from AZ said:
now it says 16 or younger ... does that mean from 6 to you 16th b-day?? i mean can i drop out after my 16th birthday or do i have to wait tell i'm 17??
On 11/10/05
WHY? from VA said:
I can not believe the things I have read! Some of these children ( yes I am still considered a child) but..., these comments are proposterous...how can you be 14 and know you want to drop out? I believe that anyone that is thinking about dropping out needs to have a serious reality check and grow up..FAST...WHY? Because, little do you realize, running water doesnt come free, neither does the light bill, the electric bill, the cable bill, the phone bill(which means you won't be talking to your little freinds if its not payed for...) and Oh Yeah! I forgot to say, you also have to eat as well!!!
6 thru 10 of 35 comments



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