LEONARDTOWN, MD – Changes in the compulsory school attendance age were passed into law by the Maryland General Assembly and Governor through Senate Bill 362 in 2012. Students and parents are reminded that beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, every child residing in St. Mary’s County between the ages of 5 and 16 must attend school during the entire school year. This applies to students who turn age 16 on or after July 1, 2015. The only exceptions are students enrolled in a nonpublic school or home instruction.
This raises the drop out age to 17. The intent is to reduce the number of students dropping out of high school and increase the number of high school graduates. Many states have already increased their age of compulsory attendance to age 17 and/or age 18. Maryland will increase the age to 18 beginning with the 2017-2018 school year.