Ditching Diplomas in the Keystone State: When Can You Say "See Ya Later" to School in Pennsylvania?
So, you're itching to ditch the textbooks and trade them in for, well, whatever 18-year-olds trade textbooks in for these days (cryptocurrency mining rigs? Who knows?). But before you stage a dramatic locker slam and yell "I'm outta here!", there's a little hurdle to jump over: Pennsylvania's compulsory school attendance laws.
The Age-Old Question (with a Not-So-Ancient Answer)
In Pennsylvania, as of the 2020-2021 school year, you're legally required to attend school until you turn 18 years old or graduate high school, whichever magnificent milestone comes first. That's right, folks, no skipping out at 16 to pursue your dreams of competitive yo-yoing (it's a thing, look it up).
But Wait, There's More! (Except There Really Isn't)
Now, before you get all bummed out about the whole waiting-until-18 thing, there are some exceptions to compulsory attendance. These include:
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
- Homeschooling: If you're rocking the homeschool life and meeting all the state-mandated educational requirements, you're good to go, champ.
- Medical Conditions: Got a legitimate medical reason why being in school just isn't happening? Work with your doctor and school district to figure out an alternative plan.
- Earning Your GED: If you're super motivated and decide the traditional high school route isn't for you, you can pursue a GED (General Educational Development) diploma. Once you pass the GED tests, you're considered equivalent to a high school graduate in the eyes of the law (and potential employers).
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| What Age Can You Quit School In Pennsylvania |
So, what does this all mean?
Basically, Pennsylvania wants you to get an education, and they've set the age limit at 18 or graduation to make sure it happens. But hey, there are a few loopholes (homeschooling, anyone?) for those who have a different path in mind.
How To FAQ for the Early Bird (or Dropout-Dreamer):
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
How to Homeschool in Pennsylvania?
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Check out the Pennsylvania Department of Education's website for homeschooling requirements: https://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/Home%20Education%20and%20Private%20Tutoring/HomeEdPrivateTutoringGuide/HomeEdPrograms/Pages/default.aspx
How to Get a Medical Exemption from School?
QuickTip: Treat each section as a mini-guide.
Work with your doctor to document your medical condition and collaborate with your school district to find an alternative educational plan.
How to Get a GED in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has resources for GED testing: https://www.education.pa.gov/Postsecondary-Adult/GED%20and%20Commonwealth%20Secondary%20School%20Diploma/Pages/default.aspx
QuickTip: Skim the first line of each paragraph.
How to Deal with My Burning Desire to Escape School at 15?
Channel that energy into something productive! Look into after-school activities, volunteer work, or online courses that interest you. Trust us, a well-rounded resume will look a lot better than a dropout diploma.
How to Explain This to My Parents Who Want Me to Be a Doctor/Lawyer/Astronaut?
Oof, that's a tough one. Open communication is key! Maybe they'll be okay with alternative paths to success if you can show them a solid plan.
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