NC H235

Raises the compulsory school attendance age from 16 to 18 years old for all students in North Carolina public schools, regional schools, and charter schools.

Requires students ages 16-18 who wish to drop out must first attend a final counseling session with their parent/guardian and school, where they must sign a statement acknowledging academic gaps, earnings differences between graduates and dropouts, and available educational alternatives.

Modifies juvenile delinquency law to distinguish between students age 16-17 who drop out with parental consent (following the counseling requirement) versus those absent without proper dropout procedures.

Makes the age requirement change applicable to both traditional public schools and specialized schools under the State School of Science and Mathematics.

Effective immediately upon enactment, beginning with the 2013-2014 school year.