DE HB170

Increases the age requirement for compulsory school attendance in Delaware from 16 to 18 years of age, phased in over a 2-year period with an interim age of 17 beginning September 1, 2022.

Children may be exempted from compulsory attendance if they receive a high school diploma, a diploma of alternate achievement standards, or obtain a waiver from their district superintendent or charter school board president.

Waiver eligibility is age-dependent: children must be at least 16 years old until August 31, 2022, then at least 17 years old starting September 1, 2022, and at least 18 years old starting September 1, 2023.

Waivers require an approved alternative learning plan that includes age-appropriate academic rigor and flexibility to incorporate the child's interests, with components such as independent study, internships, apprenticeships, and online courses.

Preserves existing exemption allowing children of any age to be excused from attendance upon parental request supported by written documentation from a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or neurologist.