FAQ – Compulsory School Age

If the compulsory school age in Pennsylvania is from 6 to 18, can my 17 year-old legally graduate from high school?

The compulsory school age in Pennsylvania was recently changed. These changes became effective for the 2020-2021 school year and require all students to attend school no later than age 6 by September 1st and until age 18 or graduation, whichever occurs sooner. These requirements apply across Pennsylvania.

For a home educated student to be considered graduated for purposes of the compulsory attendance law, he or she must have met the graduation requirements in the home education law and be in possession of a state recognized diploma from a diploma granting organization such as MDHSA or a Parent Issued diploma form from the PDE website.

For example, a student whose birthday is in August, completes graduation requirements and has received an MDHSA diploma in the June prior to her 17th birthday is no longer subject to compulsory attendance.