GARDEN GROVE : Getting Out Message of Staying in School

Most people know that most students must remain in school until their 18th birthday, but officials for the Garden Grove Unified School District said it is still necessary to get that message out in some communities.

“Not everyone knows, particularly those who may have arrived from other countries,” district spokesman Alan Trudell said.

“The community we serve is very diverse, and we want to ensure that all those people--newcomers and native residents--not only understand the requirements but also the benefits of attending school,” he said.

The law states that school attendance is mandatory for everyone from 6 to 17 years old. Exceptions may be made only for students who are 16 or 17 and have graduated from high school, passed the California High School Proficiency Exam or obtained parental permission to leave school, Trudell said.

Students younger than 16 must attend school full time a minimum of 175 days a year. State law requires that students who are 16 or 17 attend school at least part time. A part-time education program would include enrollment at a continuation, adult education or regional occupational program, Trudell said.

For more information on school attendance, call the district’s child welfare and attendance office at (714) 663-6391.

The Garden Grove Unified School District serves most of Garden Grove and portions of Santa Ana, Anaheim, Westminster, Cypress, Stanton and Fountain Valley.

The new school year begins districtwide on Sept. 9.