When teens opt out of high school, the reason they made the choice will likely determine their future success. "Opting out" is not the same as dropping out. Drop outs quit school without graduating, where opt outs get a general equivalency diploma (GED) before ending their high school career. Some of the reasons teens "opt out" are wanting to get out with their older friends, frustration with the curriculum and desire to pursue further education.

Teens who opt out to embark on life with their older friends can experience more obstacles than they might first expect. When teens bond with older friends, the risk of encountering situations for which they are not yet mature increases. While they may have the maturity to keep a job, they may be ill-equipped to deal with choices involving drugs or controlling alcohol consumption.

Being frustrated with the speed of the curriculum in one high school may not be best served by "opting out". Teens who feel that high school is dragging may be experiencing one of a few different situations. If the teen is advanced, a change of high schools to one offering a different curriculum may better serve the teen. Bored teens may greatly benefit from a change in classes more suited for their academic level.

The teen who chooses to leave high school and directly enter college may be the best candidate for "opting out". This teen will see the frustration in a senior year filled with college credit courses within the constraints of a high school setting.

Parents need to investigate fully the teen's choice to opt out. Counseling prior to the final decision is a necessity to determine if a teen has the emotional and intellectual maturity necessary to survive in the adult world. It must be ascertained if the teen has the strength of identity to circumvent attempts by less scrupulous adults who may advantage of his age.

After counseling in both a psychological and career environment, teens who opt out have a better chance of being successful. Be aware that teens who have no experience in a work environment may easily become overwhelmed by the responsibility associated with opting out and undertaking secondary education simultaneously. Parents must be willing to support their younger adult both emotionally and financially.

Ultimately, the decision to opt out must be made after researching the implications of allowing a teenager to join the adult world and after family discussion delineating upon whom responsibilities will fall.

Learn more about this author, Ann Marie Dwyer.
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