How old do you have to be to legally not go to school?

Question

I am not going to school for 3 weeks because I'm moving and I can't go to regular school so I have to go to something called the GO program. and then i want to get homeschooled. but obviously im not going to school right now so my guidance counseler called and said that i have to be in school because if i dont go then they will take me away from my parents and ill get pins petition or something like that. but i'm 16 and i thought its allowed to not go to school at that age but the guidance counselor said its 17...

Answer 1

I think it depends on what state you live in. Last year there was a big write up in our local paper saying that they wanted to change it to 18.

Answer 2

it's 16.

Answer 3

It's 16 in New York PROVIDED that you become 16 before the new school year starts.

Thus you need to be 16 before September

Answer 4

I'm not for sure, but don't give up on school because you will regret it later on in life.  Stay as long as possible even if you do the home schooling.  I know some schools have a satellite campus that you can do at home.  But don't quite, not at your age.  Good luck to you.

Answer 5

i guess it depends on the state but in maryland its 14

Answer 6

It varies from state to state.  The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) has compulsory school ages listed by state.  Click on your state icon to find out the rules/laws for your state.  The link is below:

http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp

I hope this is helpful.

Answer 7

Depends on your community's ordinances.

Google and get an accurate answer, or google for the proper office to call and find out.

I know at 16 it must seem very attractive to be out of school, but unless you are going to inherit a heck of a lot of money (and maybe even not then), it is a very poor decision.

One you will get to regret for a lot of years.

Tough it out, get a high school diploma and finish.

Or do the homeschool thing.  That counts as school.

Just don't drop out.  Very, very, very bad plan.

Answer 8

Check with the home school legal defense association, their web site has all the requirements for each state.

http://hslda.org/

I know in our state you have legally fulfilled your education requirements when you have finished the 8th grade, or are 16 years of age.

Each state has their own rules, however home schooling is legal in all 50 states of the USA.

If in doubt have your parents contact a lawyer and get some advise on this issue, because as a parent I would sure not take kindly to being told by a school counselor what I could, or could not do to direct the education of my child.

Answer 9

I believe at the age of 16 with parent consent you can sign yourself out. try to research your states education laws

Answer 10

I live in NY also. I think it's after the 11th year, not depending on the age mainly because I'm 16(17 in a week) and I'm a senior. However, I didn't think there was a limit because some people are homeschooled ever since they're little, and haven't gone to public or private schools even. If that's the case, how would anyone know, for sure, that they are being homeschooled and are therefore excused from "school"? In any case, though, don't give up and keep trying. Being homeschooled isn't so bad but, I suggest you stay in school because of the environment.

Answer 11

It depends on where you live and the school system that you live in. where I live it's 16, but you should check in your student handbook to see what it is where you live.

Answer 12

Can't you just file what you need to so that you're a homeschooler right now? Why go through the GO program? Then there won't be any issue with how old you are and all that because you will be seen as 'attending' school.

Answer 13

I'm sure your guidance counselor is telling you the truth.  What would she gain by lying about something like that to you.  Where I live you can't drop out till you 18 years old.  They changed that from 16 a couple of years ago.

Answer 14

First of all I encourage you to stay in school.  My youngest daughter wanted to homeschool after her 10 th grade year because of health issues.  I let her and later regreted it because of the social sides and because she got lazy in her work.  She struggled to catch up and get her dipolma.  The age varies from state to state.  But if at all possible STAY in and make it work you will be glad you did in the long run.  I dropped in 11th and I had to struggle to get mine.  I would hate for you to look back later and say if only I would have known.  You can do it, It is only 2 more years and you will be finished and on your way to college.  Hang in there!

Answer 15

actually i think its 18

Answer 16

It depends upon the state you are in. Your guidance counselor is porbably right because he deals with this daily.  Yes in the worst case they can remove you from your home, they might not be able to prevail if you have extenuating circumstances but the bill for leagal help will be hard on you family.  Just enroll and make the best of it.  I went to the second grade in six schools in 4 states, and because I missed so many days I had to repeat the whole year.  Military family on the move.  I don't think it hurt me that much.

Answer 17

According the National Education Association Web site, http://www.nea.org/presscenter/actionpla... the compulsory age differs within the state of New York. Generally, sixteen is the last year you have to attend school but you have to be "17 in cities with 4,500 or more population and union-free school districts."

Answer 18

10th grade i thought.

Answer 19

im pretty sure it is 16 but maybe it's different in your state

Answer 20

The minimum age to "drop-out" varies from school district to school district. It varies from age 16 to 18 depending on which school district in the US.

Answer 21

21 thats a pretty safe age

Answer 22

They waqnt to change the age so its higher all the time. So it will always change. I think it is bettween 16-18 depnding on where you live. I think you shoud be home schooled if you want but speak to your parents about it aswell. Don't give up because you can't be bothered.

Answer 23

i thought it was 18, but then again, GO TO SCHOOL