Unlike most other states, Massachusetts doesn’t set a statewide maximum age for mandatory school attendance, leaving that decision up to local school districts. But all dropouts in the state are supposed to follow a process, no matter how old they are. 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
If students want to drop out before graduating from high school—even if they have reached the maximum age for compulsory education in their local districts—their schools must schedule exit interviews with the students, a team of school personnel, and the parents (if possible). These interviews are meant to discuss why the youth want to leave school and to consider alternatives. The students should receive information about the harmful effects of dropping out, the benefits of a high school diploma, and any available alternative education programs or services.
The law makes it clear that students should be able to go back to school if they want, even after the exit interview.
Massachusetts also requires that children between the ages of 16 and 18 who’ve stopped going to school must attend some public evening school if they haven’t met the local public schools’ requirements for finishing sixth grade. (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 76, §§ 3, 18 (2019).)
Exemptions from Attendance Requirements
Even if students are younger than the upper age limit in their school districts for mandatory attendance, state law excuses them from compulsory education if:
- it wouldn’t be beneficial or practical to attend school because of their physical or mental condition, or
- the local school superintendent has granted them a work permit after deciding that would be better for the children’s welfare.
(Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 76, § 1 (2019).)
If students simply stop going to school before they're eligible to drop out legally, they'll be treated as truants. Although schools will first try to address the problem with services, uncooperative truants could eventually end up in juvenile court. (Learn more about what happens to truants and their parents in Massachusetts.)
High School Equivalency Tests
Dropouts in Massachusetts may receive a high school equivalency credential if they pass the GED or HiSET test. You must be at least 16 years old to take the tests, but if you’re under 18, you’ll need an approved, official letter of withdrawal from the last school you attended. (For more information about taking the tests, finding test prep classes, and getting your credential, see the website for the state’s High School Equivalency Testing Program. )