9/4/2026
When can a student legally stop going to school? The compulsory attendance age in every state
In 15 states a student can legally leave school at 16. In 25 states and Washington, D.C., the law requires attendance until 18, and Texas goes to 19. The start age varies too, from 5 to 8. Here is the full state-by-state picture, and why the end age is not the same as graduation.
Kate Carter