The legal age to quit school in Virginia is 18 years old.
In Virginia, students are subject to compulsory school attendance laws until they reach the age of 18. This means that once a student turns 18, they are generally no longer legally required to attend school and can choose to withdraw from public education.
Compulsory School Attendance in Virginia
Virginia's educational laws outline the age range during which school attendance is mandatory. This framework ensures that students receive a fundamental education before they are legally permitted to discontinue their studies.
Here's a breakdown of Virginia's compulsory attendance and free education provisions:
| State | Age of Required School Attendance | Maximum Age Limit for Free Education |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 5 to 18 | 20 |
- Age of Required School Attendance: This specifies the period during which a child must legally be enrolled in and attend an educational institution, whether it's a public school, private school, or an approved homeschooling program. For Virginia, this obligation extends from age 5 up to age 18.
- Maximum Age Limit for Free Education: While compulsory attendance ends at 18, public schools in Virginia are required to offer free education to residents up to the age of 20. This provision allows individuals who might have dropped out or need additional time to complete their high school requirements to return to school and earn their diploma without incurring tuition costs.
Understanding these age requirements is essential for students, parents, and guardians. While turning 18 provides the legal option to stop attending school, many pathways remain available for individuals who wish to continue their education, pursue higher learning, or obtain a high school equivalency credential later in life.
