Teen Taking Advanced College Classes Not Allowed to Graduate High School

Michael Sweeney is a 14‑year‑old homeschooled student from Bethlehem, New York, who is already taking advanced community college courses. But his school district won’t let him graduate early due to New York State’s age‑based compulsory education laws.

Academic Background

Michael Sweeney is homeschooled in the Bethlehem Central School District. He scored 13.5 on the standardized California Achievement Test (CAT), which places him above the 12th‑grade level and is equivalent to a sophomore in college. The CAT test is widely used by homeschool families to meet state requirements for standardized testing.

Sweeney has been enrolled full‑time in college for over a year, having already earned 26 college credits. He has completed advanced courses in Calculus II, Linear Algebra, Physics, and Engineering, and is currently enrolled 300‑level courses such as Calculus III and Physics II. Michael has also finished English Composition I & II, history, health, and other electives, scoring A’s in nearly all classes.

The Dispute

In New York State, students must be 16 or older to graduate high school. Michael turns 15 in December 2026. Bethlehem Central School District states that Michael Sweeney must remain enrolled through the next school year because he will not turn 16 before the following year begins. Under state law, Michael cannot graduate early without special permission.

Not only that, but despite Sweeney’s achievements, and quarterly reports documenting his coursework, the district has rejected three homeschooling plans submitted by his family, citing non‑compliance with New York’s Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) requirements.

The district’s position is based on New York’s IHIP regulations, which require a set number of instructional hours per year. Officials argue that Michael’s current pace does not meet the requirements for 12th‑grade completion, and they are insisting he remain in high school for two more years.

High School Graduation and College Enrollment

Because of his age, the Bethlehem Central School District is not certifying Michael as a high school graduate. This means he cannot enroll in certain universities, such as Arizona State University’s Engineering program.

Michael’s mother, Nicole Sweeney, fears the decision could disrupt his education, as some advanced engineering courses may not transfer to ASU, where he plans to major in mechanical engineering.

Michael hopes to design animatronics for theme parks. “I really like the problem-solving, but also the creativity of it. Something that’s fake but magic almost,” Sweeney told Times Union.

Next Steps

To graduate and apply to universities, Michael Sweeney would need to either meet the state’s age requirement or have his school district approve an exception.

The family has hired a lawyer and is seeking a school board review of the district’s decision. A scheduled board meeting was postponed to allow time for negotiations.

This case has drawn a lot of media attention (see below) as an example of a highly advanced student facing legal and administrative barriers to continuing his education at the pace he has chosen.

Sources

Final Note

The Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) works diligently to advocate, defend, and further the cause of homeschooling freedom for millions of families. As an HSLDA member, you’ll receive access to a team of attorneys experienced in dealing with homeschool issues. If you run into any legal or administrative hurdles while homeschooling or enrolling in college as a homeschooler, HSLDA will fight for you and even go to court if necessary. Highly recommended from personal experience! Join HSLDA today!