Every state has “compulsory education” laws that require school attendance. In Illinois, that means children between the ages of 6 and 17 must attend full-time school until they graduate. But there are exceptions, and some students may drop out early. Below is a summary of the state’s requirements for staying in school, dropping out, and getting high school equivalency diplomas.
Illinois Requirements for Dropping Out Legally
Students in Illinois must stay in school until they turn 17, unless they’ve already graduated from high school. But 16-year-olds may also drop out if they give the school district proof that they:
- have a job that’s both “necessary” and legal (including under child labor laws), or
- are enrolled in a graduation incentive program or an alternative learning opportunities program.
On recommendation by the local school board, the school superintendent may excuse any students from attending school (regardless of their age) if they have a necessary, lawful job. However, these working students must attend part-time continuation school in districts that offer that option. The law’s other exemptions include children who are physically or mentally unable to attend school. (105 Ill. Comp. Stats. § 5/26-1.)
Returning to School in Illinois After Dropping Out
Former dropouts can return to school in Illinois, unless they’re 19 or older and wouldn’t be able to graduate before their 21st birthday. The district must follow certain procedures before denying these dropouts the right to reenroll. And if they can’t return to regular classes, the district must give them information about alternative educational programs that would lead to graduation or a high school equivalency certificate. (105 Ill. Comp. Stats. § 5/26-2.)
Other Alternatives for Illinois Dropouts
Dropouts may apply for status as a truant, in order to be eligible for the school district’s programs and resources for truants (105 Ill. Comp. Stats § 5/26-14).
Illinois also allows adult dropouts to earn a regular high school diploma through certified programs (at community colleges and some nonprofits), even if they aren’t eligible to re-enroll in school (105 Ill. Comp. Stats. § 5/3-15.12a).
How to Earn a High School Equivalency Certificate in Illinois
Anyone who hasn’t graduated from high school can get a high school equivalency certificate by passing one of the three equivalency exams offered in the state. In order to take the test, however, Illinois residents must be:
- at least 17 years old
- in the process of completing an alternative education program, or
- enrolled in an education program sponsored by the Illinois National Guard.
Dropouts who haven’t met those requirements might still be able to take an equivalency test if they’ve been out of school at least a year and submit a written request from certain agencies or officials, including:
- the military
- the director of an instructional program offered by agencies such as the Job Corps, or
- the director of an apprenticeship program.
By 2018, state law requires the Illinois Community College Board to make available other ways of earning a high school equivalency certificate (besides passing an equivalency test), including through college credits or completion of an approved competency-based program. (Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/3-15.12.)
No Illinois Driver's License for Dropouts Under 18
Illinois dropouts under age 18 can’t get a driver’s license unless they’ve received a high school equivalency certificate or are currently in a course to prepare for an equivalency exam (625 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/6-107).