I'm 14 and have stopped going to highschool.... What's going to happen (legally)?

Question

I have stopped going to school due to depression, ADD, and some learning disabilities. What is going to happen to me (legally)? I know that by not going to school I'm throwing my life down the crapper. I know that I will never go to college, have a good job, or make any money, so no need to remind me. I live in California so I cannot legally drop out at my age. I have tried all of the schooling options that i know of (home tutor, online schooling, dual enrollment) but nothing is or is going to work. What is going to happen? Will my parents be held liable for my absence? Will I be taken away from my family? What laws will I be breaking by not returning to school?

Answer 1

Hi Sarah,

I'm a homeschooling mom. I've just stumbled on your post here while researching something else. I just have to respond. Here in CA, if your parents file a private affidavit,(see Home School Legal Defense Association website on how to do this) you can just pursue the rest of your education at home and stay within the law. And that education can be as nontraditional as you like. I don't know what your relationship is like with your parents, or if they'd be willing to work with you on this. If they are, though, homeschooling is quite easy to do in CA. Quitting high school does not necessarily mean you are throwing your life "down the crapper" and does NOT mean you won't go to college(which is really not "everything" anyway) or have a successful life. If you like to read, I recommend a book by Grace Llewellyn(a former English middle school teacher) entitled "The Teenage Liberation Handbook: how to quit school and get a real life education". It's filled with examples of teenagers who chose not to go to high school but still pursued education for themselves---parental support in this is usually pretty critical, though. I personally don't agree with all of her perspectives, but it could give you some inspiration and hope for your own future. I would also recommend anything by John Taylor Gatto. He was voted Teacher of the Year in New York some time ago. He's since left traditional school teaching and has written quite a few books. Here is a quote from him:

"Schools and schooling are increasingly irrelevant to the great enterprises of the planet. No one believes anymore that scientists are trained in science classes or politicians in civics classes or poets in English classes. The truth is that schools don't really teach anything except how to obey orders." So there's 2 former teachers who would actually support your choice! I sure hope you can find an answer through homeschooling/unschooling. There's so much info. out there I know it can be overwhelming. Talk to your parents if you can. You have hope and a future, Sarah. It might be that instead of quitting or giving up, you could be just starting a new and better way for your life.

Answer 2

When i was 14 I did the same. Now this is according to Minnesota state laws on truency. It's called a truancy violation. And there a number of different things tht could happen. One they could never do anything but that's usually at a little older age. But the bad things would the police could pick you up and start bringing you to school. Now I was diagnosed with all the same things add and depression and learning dissabilitu and I'm telling you now kid its all bull ****. But back to the main topic. If you

Skip school even after they take small steps of precaution, social services could get involved and you could be taken away from your parents house or current gaurdian and be put into a foster home and tht sucks, trust me. But they could also put you in what they call a group home which is like being locked up in juvie accept much less restricted with a kittle more of a home environment but once again tht sucks. Then if more problems create for tht they will just lock you up in juvie and and make you go to school. And if you don't you will be in your cell 23 hours a day.. Until you're 18 thts similar to wht happened to me accept I ended up going to school there but you don't have to do good in school.. Now I'm not recommending tht you

Do tht I'm just answering your question based on personal experience. Wht I did was attended and didn't do **** then when I turned 16 I dropped out or wht ever the age is in California with parental consent and I went and got my GED which is a high school equivalent and to tell to the truth its not a bad thing and to get your GED is much easier and more laid back.. So just suck it up until you can legally drop out or you will face bad legal matters depending on who gets involved. I would be more than willing to talk to you more about it I'm 18 and just getting my life straightend out and it feels good but one step at a time but dealt if you have more question and want more detail email me at [e-mail] and I can answer anything you need on this topic or any like it. Good luck and don't forget to email if you have any problems kid.

Answer 3

hey sarah! my names sarah too haha but when I was your age I wasnt in school. I'm not sure what will happen to you legally, srry but if you become omish then you wont need to go to school. anyway, and nothing will happen to you(they end school in 8th grade.) California has some weird laws there so anything can happen in california! hope your future is bright and find many joys in life-Sarah.

Answer 4

Your just wreaking your future by not staying in school and at least trying....

Answer 5

Your parents can be fined or even jailed.