Can I enroll myself in high school at 17 in Texas?

The age of majority in Texas is 18. From this milestone birthday, Texas residents can organize their own legal and medical affairs, get married without their parents’ consent, and vote. A 17-year-old is not entirely powerless, however, and these minors enjoy many of the rights that we usually associate with adulthood, such as the right to engage in sexual activity and hold a job.

Emancipate From Parents

By Texas law, 17-year-olds can petition the court for emancipation to remove their minority status. This means they become adults in the eyes of the law. Applicants must show that they are capable of supporting themselves and managing their own affairs, for example, by having a full-time job.

Once emancipated, the 17-year-old is no longer under her parent’s care. She can live where she wants, sign legal documents and make decisions about education and marriage without parental consent.

Consent to Medical Treatment

As a general rule, minors in Texas must get their parents’ consent to medical treatment unless they are emancipated from their parents or they are in the military. However, exceptions apply to certain types of treatment. Within the state, 17-year-olds are permitted to make their own medical decisions in matters pertaining to drug use, alcohol use, pregnancy and infectious diseases.

Freely Consent to Sex

It is illegal in Texas for an adult to engage in sexual activity with a child under the age of 17. In the eyes of the law, a person aged 16 years or younger is not mature enough to consent to sexual activity, and any adult who has sexual interaction with a minor of this age may be convicted of indecency, sexual assault or statutory rape. From the age of 17, a person can freely consent to and have sex with someone the same age or older.

Earn a Paycheck

The minimum age to work in Texas is 14, so, by the age of 17, a minor could have three years’ worth of paychecks in his account. While working hours are restricted for 14- and 15-year-olds in the state, a 17-year-old is permitted to work whatever hours he wishes. However, 17-year-olds are prohibited from working jobs that require driving or in certain heavy industries such as coal mining, logging, excavation and roofing.

Some Texas cities have juvenile curfews that theoretically could restrict a minor from traveling to work during school hours or at night, although exemptions are usually available for employment purposes. Most curfews are aimed at younger teenagers and do not apply to minors who are 17.

Be Tried as an Adult

While many will not consider it a "right," offenders in the Texas criminal justice system may be classified as adults (as opposed to juveniles) from the age of 17. This means they will be charged and sentenced as an adult if they commit a crime in the state.

While it’s unlikely that a 17-year-old would be transferred to the adult court system for a petty crime, those accused of serious crimes such as murder, and repeat offenders who have not responded to rehabilitation, could well find themselves with an adult criminal record which impacts future employment opportunities, college applications and sponsorship programs. In theory, a 17-year-old could be slapped with a full life sentence without possibility of parole before they even reach adulthood.

References

• Coker Robb and Cannon: The Legal Implications of Child Emancipation
• Derek Adame: When Does Texas Try Juveniles as Adults?
• Find Law: Texas Legal Ages Laws
• Texas Workforce Commission: Texas Child Labor Law
• Houston Police Department: Juveniles Curfew Ordinance
• David A. Breston: Texas Age of Consent

Writer Bio

Jayne Thompson earned an LL.B. in Law and Business Administration from the University of Birmingham and an LL.M. in International Law from the University of East London. She practiced in various “Big Law” firms before launching a career as a commercial writer. Her work has appeared on numerous legal blogs including Quittance, Upcounsel and Medical Negligence Experts.

Every child in Texas has the right to a free public education. A child may attend school in the school district in which he lives or enroll in other options, such as charter schools.

To enroll your child in school, you will need to locate a school, provide residency documentation, and get your child all state required immunizations or provide a valid exemption from the immunization requirements. The following links provide additional information about the enrollment process:

Locate Your School District or Charter School

The AskTED (Texas Education Directory) search tool or the School District Locator can help you find schools and districts. Contact the district in your area for details on required enrollment documentation.

Understand Admission and Eligibility Requirements

A letter called Attendance, Admission, Enrollment Records and Tuition 2017-2018, which is issued annually, provides updated information about policies regarding attendance, admission, enrollment, and tuition at Texas public schools.

A similar letter called Charter Admission, Enrollment, and Withdrawal 2017-2018 provides information about admission, enrollment, and withdrawal at Texas charter schools, which are a type of public school.

Many Texas children are eligible to attend free prekindergarten classes. Prekindergarten eligibility and enrollment information and answers to frequently asked questions are available on TEA's prekindergarten website.

Get Your Child Immunized

A Texas Department of State Health Services website provides a list of immunization requirements (outside source) children must have to enroll in school. Children can be exempted from immunizations under certain circumstances.

Parent Resources

Nutritional breakfasts and lunches are available to students, often at low or no cost. Find out more about the child nutrition programs (outside source), overseen by the Texas Department of Agriculture.

The Texas Project First (outside source) provides resources for parents of students served by the special education program.

Additional resources are available for those who care for children in foster care. Additionally, answers to frequently asked questions for those assisting homeless and displaced students are available.

Resources are also available for migrant students enrolled in Texas public schools.

Need assistance?

Parents who are having problems enrolling a child in general education programs may call 512-463-9290 or email General Inquiry for assistance.

Parents who are having difficulty enrolling an eligible child in special education programs may call 1-800-252-9668 or email Special Education for assistance.

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