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School Attendance Laws: Quitting or Missing School.
by: New Orleans Legal Assistance
Q.	For how long do I have to go to school?

A.	In Louisiana, the general law is that all children between the ages of 7 and 18 (that is, from the 7th to the 18th birthday) must go to a public or private day school.

Q.	But I graduated from high school before I turned 18. Do I still have to go to school?

A.	No. If you graduate from high school before you turn 18, state law does not make you keep going to school

Q.	What happens if I don't go to school when I'm supposed to?

A.	Your school can punish you for unexcused poor attendance, if you miss too many days of school, by not letting you pass on to the next grade level. The school may also report you and your family to the state as a "family in need of services." This means that government workers will investigate your family to find out why you are missing school, and try to help you. It means you and your caretaker have to go to court to see a judge. Also, your caretaker may be facing fines or jail.

Q.	What about home schooling? I don't like my school. Can I study at home?

A.	Yes. You don't have to go to a private or public day school if you are in an home study program approved by the state Department of Education.

Q.	What if my mother or father agrees to my leaving school? Is that legal?

A.	It could be. In Louisiana, once you turn 17 you may withdraw from school before graduation with the written consent of her parent, tutor, or legal guardian. If you are being raised by someone other than your parent, that is probably the person whose consent you will need. If you want to leave school because you are having problems with the school you are in, talk to a responsible adult (parent, guardian, school counselor, social worker, lawyer) about other choices you may have. For example, if you are being harassed at school you may have legal rights that will help you make the situation better. If you are between 16 and 18, you may be able to get out of your regular high school to go to an alternative or a vocational-technical education program.


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	Last Reviewed On: 02/19/04

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