In 2019, the Pennsylvania Department of Education released the Omnibus School Code of 2019 - Act 16 of 2019. This revised Public School Code will become effective in the 2020-2021 school year for both public school and home school children.
With this amended code, there are a few key changes that students and parents should keep in mind regarding attendance and what is considered compulsory school age. In brief:
- Students are now required to attend school from age 6 to age 18
- If a student turns 6 on or before September 1, they must begin school that year
- Students may not withdraw from school prior to the age of 18 (limited exceptions can be found in 24 P.S. §13-1330)