Dropping Out of School

Washington students can’t legally drop out of school before they turn 18, unless they’re at least 16 and qualify for one of the exceptions. If they stop going to school before they quali ... Read more

New Jersey allows students to leave school without graduating as soon as they turn 16. ... Read more

Most students in North Carolina can legally drop out as soon as they turn 16 years old, but some districts are experimenting with raising that age. ... Read more

Arizona allows students to leave school without graduating as soon as they turn 16 or finish tenth grade. ... Read more

Massachusetts allows local school districts to set the legal dropout age, but all dropouts must go to an exit interview. ... Read more

The legal dropout age in Indiana is 18, but some younger students may leave school legally if they meet certain requirements. ... Read more

Students in Alabama can legally drop out of school after they turn 17, but they need their parents’ permission. ... Read more

Tennessee students usually may not drop out legally before they turn 18, but there are limited exceptions. ... Read more

Students in Ohio can’t legally drop out of school until they turn 18. ... Read more

Virginia students can’t legally drop out before their 18th birthday unless they meet the requirements for an alternative education plan. ... Read more

Texas students must stay in school until they graduate or turn 19, but they can drop out sooner under certain conditions. ... Read more

Florida students can legally drop out of school after they turn 16, but they need to go through several steps and get their parents’ permission. ... Read more

Learn what you have to do if you want to drop out legally in California before you turn 18—and when you can get out of going to regular school. ... Read more

Students in Georgia can legally drop out of school after they turn 16, but they need their parents’ permission. ... Read more

The State of New York allows students as young as 16 to drop out of school, but individual school districts may raise the legal dropout age. ... Read more

Learn the compulsory education requirements in your state—when children must start school and when they can drop out legally. ... Read more

Kentucky no longer allows you to withdraw from school legally until you turn 18. If you stop going to school before then, you’ll lose your driver’s license. ... Read more

Pennsylvania students can’t drop out legally until they turn 17, but there are exceptions for some younger students who are working. ... Read more

South Carolina generally requires students to keep going to school until they turn 17, but some younger children can drop out legally. ... Read more

There are legal and financial consequences to dropping out, but there are also alternatives. ... Read more