Can Your Parents Make You Stay in School If You're Old Enough to Legally Drop Out
I am 17 years old, live in Pennsylvania, and am looking to drop out of high school. My parents tell me that they will call the police on me if I don't go but, the legal age to drop out without parental consent is 17 (Pursuant to 22 Pa Code sec. 11.13, compulsory school age is until the age of 17 or graduation from a high school, whichever occurs first. Accordingly, a 17 year old may withdraw from school.). My parents' argument is that since I am not emancipated they have the say in what I do. I am looking for the legal determination for this scenario, not a lecture on how I should live my life (while in school I was ranked 3rd in my class and in all honors or advanced placement classes, after much thought i have decided to pursue different endeavors in my life).
Thanks for any help and please cite sources if possible
Re: Legal Determination for the Right of Minor vs Parent in School Dispute
The code section at issue does not deprive your parents of control over you, their child. It relates to whether you can be charged with truancy.
If you want to drop out of school, your parents would be within their rights to ground you to a room containing a bed, bedding, and a change of clothes, no TV, electronics, games, computers, cell phone... and tell you to enjoy your life outside of school. Then when you turn 18 they will be free to show you the door.
Re: Legal Determination for the Right of Minor vs Parent in School Dispute
It doesn't matter how many times you ask the question; the answer remains the same. Just because the state does not make education mandatory after 17 does not mean that your parents lose the right to control your actions.