Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Free and Compulsory School Age Requirements

  • 05/05/15

Denver, Colo. — More and more, state policymakers are exploring options to increase the age range that a student is required to attend school -- with goals of boosting high school graduation rates and creating a better prepared workforce that can meet the needs of modern employers.

States not only are extending the upper limit for mandatory school age, many also are pushing for earlier access to free education for the youngest students. A new 50-state review from Education Commission of the States, Free and compulsory school age requirements, addresses three main components:

  • At what age is a district required to provide free public education to students, and at what age is it no longer required?
  • At what age does compulsory school attendance begin and end?
  • How many years total is a student required to attend school?

"Expanding the age range in which students are permitted and required to attend school receives significant attention," said Stephanie Aragon, a researcher for Education Commission of the States. "This 50-state review provides a snapshot of where states have landed on school age requirements."

Some highlights from the report:

  • To date, 24 states and the District of Columbia require students to attend school until they turn 18.
  • In Massachusetts, children as young as 3 years old are considered to be of school age.
  • Students are required to remain in school for as few as nine years and as many as 13 years, depending on the state.

For questions, contact Education Commission of the States Director of Communications Amy Skinner at [email protected] or (303) 299. 3609.

Featured

  • Nashville Elementary School Receives LEED Gold Certification

    Goodlettsville Elementary School, part of Metro Nashville Public Schools in Nashville, Tenn., recently achieved LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), according to a news release. The 81,750-square-foot school opened in 2023 and was designed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC).

  • Year-Round Schools Require Year-Round Indoor Air Quality Planning

    While many schools are out for the summer, year-round schools follow a more “balanced” schedule with shorter, more frequent breaks spaced throughout the school year. Even though this offers educational benefits, these facilities have less downtime for building maintenance. This can become an issue when facilities managers overlook the importance of routine HVAC maintenance and air duct cleaning services.

  • UT-San Antonio Begins Residence Hall Renovations

    The University of Texas at San Antonio recently began a $6-million renovation project to one of its residence halls, according to a news release. Originally completed in 1986, Chisolm Hall measures in at 120,860 square feet and is the oldest and largest residence hall on campus.

  • Back-to-School Playground Safety: 7 Common Hazards to Look for After Summer Break

    As summer break comes to an end, school administrators have plenty to prepare before students return. While classrooms, hallways and common areas often receive attention during all the back-to-school preparations, the playground should not be overlooked. Months of weather exposure, storms, and regular wear can leave behind hazards that may not be immediately noticeable.