Compulsory attendance age is the range of ages set by each state for mandatory education. This includes when education must start and when it ends. Homeschooling meets this requirement if done according to state laws.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population. Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests.
What is compulsory attendance age?
Every state has laws about when kids must receive education. This is called the compulsory attendance age. Each state decides when your child should start school and when they can stop. These laws don’t just apply to public schools; they also cover homeschooling if you follow state rules. Knowing your state's compulsory attendance ages is key. It tells you when to start homeschooling legally and when you can stop.
When homeschool obligations begin
Before your child hits the compulsory attendance age, you can homeschool without any formalities in most states. But once they reach that age — often around September 1 or 15 — you need to file notices of intent and keep records. Suddenly, your 5-year-old is just learning at home, but once they turn 6 in a state that starts at that age, you have legal responsibilities to meet.
The kindergarten question
Most states don’t require kindergarten. So if your state’s compulsory age is 6, your 5-year-old doesn’t need to be in school yet. But here's the catch: if you enroll them in public kindergarten, they must follow compulsory attendance laws right away. If you decide to homeschool later, you’ll need to notify the school formally. Some families choose to wait until the compulsory age to avoid this situation.
When requirements end
Most states say that compulsory attendance ends at 16, 17, or 18 — or when your child graduates high school, whichever comes first. If your 16-year-old graduates early in a state where attendance ends at 18, that graduation meets the requirement. Some states let you withdraw at 16-17 with permission and certain conditions. After your child reaches the end age or graduates, the need for homeschool records usually stops, but keep them for college applications.
Cutoff dates matter
States use specific cutoff dates, like September 1 or 15, to decide the school year age for kids. If your child turns 6 on September 2 in a state that uses September 1, they may not need to enroll until the next school year. Knowing your state’s cutoff date helps you plan. If your child has a late summer birthday, you might get an extra year before you have to meet requirements.
The bottom line
Compulsory attendance age tells you when your state requires education. Before this age, you can educate freely. After, you need to follow homeschool regulations. Most states start between ages 5-7 and end between 16-18, but check your state for specifics. Knowing these rules helps you transition into official homeschooling and understand when you can stop complying. Remember, enrolling in public school before the compulsory age brings immediate obligations!
