E-How How to drop out of school without ruining your life.

Instructions

1. • 1
     photo by Marcin Wichary

     Research your options after you drop out of school. You're not limited to public school, private school, or homeschooling. Getting a GED may be a good option for some. Others may want to try dual enrollment in high school and college. My personal favorite, and the focus of this article, will be unschooling. Unschooling is often considered a form of homeschooling, but is more about self-education and pursuing your own interests than your mom, a stack of textbooks, and the kitchen table.
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     Read The Teenage Liberation Handbook by Grace Llewellyn, the classic introduction to unschooling for teenagers. This book covers everything from convincing your parents to getting jobs without a high school diploma.
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     If you're particularly concerned about college, read College without High School by Blake Boles (see Resources for a link to the book's website). This book shows step-by-step how to do what you want during your high school years and still look attractive to competitive colleges.
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     photo by ncindc

     Find out how the laws in your state apply to you. If you are 16 or older, you may be allowed by law to leave school and do not need to worry about truancy. If you are still required by law to attend school in your state, homeschooling laws will apply to you. See resources for a link to the HSLDA page on homeschooling laws by state. Homeschooling is legal in all states and easy in most. The regulations may look complicated, but basically boil down to just a few things: the records you must keep (if any), whether you need to take tests, and, in a few states, the education level of your parent.
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     photo by Clearly Ambiguous

     After you drop out of school, let yourself relax for a while. Deschooling, a period of time when you detox from school and may not feel like doing much of anything, is important for anyone who's been frustrated with school. Assure your parents that it won't last forever (have them read the section on deschooling in The Teenage Liberation Handbook or the deschooling page in the Resources section below). Sleep, watch TV, wander, play video games--whatever you want. Let your mind clear.
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     Don't do nothing forever. Sooner or later, you'll find or rediscover something that gets you excited and passionate. When that happens, go after it. Start big projects or set big goals, whether you want to write a novel, master World of Warcraft, travel to Ghana, or start a wildlife refuge. You'll be happier if you're actively pursuing your interests, and it'll also give you something to tell people who ask, "So what are you doing with yourself?"