New Plan Would Mandate PA Kids Are In School From Ages 6 To 18

While school start times are one of the hottest discussions in local school boards around the state and country, it's school ages, a rarely discussed point, that are at the forefront of a new state proposal.

The plan, introduced by Gov. Wolf and supported by the Pennsylvania Board of Education, would mandate that students begin school at age six and remain in school until age 18.

As things now stand, Pennsylvania is one of only two states across the country that allows children to start as late as age eight instead of age six. It's a rule that Gov. Wolf calls "outdated."

"We must make sure our children have the training and skills for emerging high-demand jobs," Gov. Wolf said in a statement. "That means modernizing outdated requirements, so kids get a good start to their education and continue through graduation."

The allowable dropout age, meanwhile, is currently at age 17. That age was set in 1949.

The proposal has received support from public education advocates, and criticism from some who calling it government overreach, including parents who want to be able to determine for themselves the age their child starts school.

The change is part of the Statewide Workforce, Education, and Accountability program that's been added to the 2019-20 budget proposal. Because most jobs require a high school diploma, officials are hopeful that changes will be a boon to the economy.