If your 17 year old refuses to go to school it triggers what is known as chronic absenteeism, as well as potential credit loss and even difficulty in graduating on time.
School compulsory attendance laws also vary by state, but at age 17, many jurisdictions approach the enforcement of not attending school differently than with younger children.
However any unexcused absences with a 17 year old still impact the school standing and final diplomas.
The school might still log any unexcused absences when the 17 year old refuses to go to school and may send formal warning notices and even require attendance intervention meetings.
And depending on the specific state laws where you live, the compulsory education often ends at age 16 or age 17, which means that any legal court ordered truancy procedures might or might not apply to the 17 year old not attending school.
However the school policies on enrollment termination or withdrawal still remain standing.
And missing any substantial chunks of the final year when the 17 year old misses school often means failing classes, missing required state credits or falling behind on GPA requirements.
So you likely won't get into trouble like you would if your 17 year old were younger and refusing school, but it can still cause issues and also prevent them from getting employment in the future.
Also if they have a drivers license or drivers permit the state could even suspend or cancel the drivers license until they are 18 if they miss school.
Things that can prevent your child and even 17 year old from going to school and make them refuse school include mental health strain, social pressures and even academic burnout.
Severe anxiety, panic attacks, or depression often manifest as physical symptoms like stomachaches or intense avoidance.
Ongoing peer conflict, social isolation, or bullying can make the school environment feel unsafe.
Overwhelming workloads, unrecognized learning differences, or a feeling that high school is no longer relevant to their immediate future.