Under Indiana's “compulsory education” laws, children must attend school from the time they’re seven years old until their 18th birthday. 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.
Requirements for Dropping Out Legally
Indiana students may drop out legally when they turn 18. Younger students may also leave school before graduation if they’re at least 16, have the consent of their parents and the school principal, and need to withdraw because of:
- illness
- financial hardship, as long as the students are working to support their family or a dependent; or
- a court order.
Before they withdraw, 16- and 17-year olds must also have an exit interview and sign a statement that they understand dropping out will probably lower their future earnings and employment prospects.
(Ind. Code Ann. §§ 20-33-2-6, 20-33-2-9 (2019).)
Costs of Dropping Out
Along with the potential long-range financial consequences of dropping out of school, dropouts in Indiana will lose their driving and working privileges. If they’re under 18 and haven’t graduated or received consent to withdraw from school, former students who haven't returned to class at the beginning of a semester will have their driver’s license or learner's permit revoked (or won't be able to get a new one). They’ll also lose their employment certificates. (Ind. Code Ann. § 20-33-2-28.5(f), (g) (2019).)
In addition, students who simply stop going to school could face legal consequences for truancy.
High School Equivalency Tests
Indiana residents without a high school diploma can receive a GED diploma if they pass the Indiana high school equivalency test. In order to take the test, you generally have to be at least 18 years old. However, certain younger students may take it if they have a recommendation from the local school superintendent and they've completed the exit interview for withdrawing from school. (Ind. Code Ann. § 22-4.1-18-1; 511 Ind. Admin. Code 5-1-2 (2019).)