In Texas, students are generally required to attend school until they turn 19 years old or graduate, whichever comes first. However, there are specific circumstances under which a student can drop out before graduating.
For students who are 17 years old or older, they may legally drop out of school but must have parental permission and meet certain criteria, such as having received a high school diploma or a GED. For students in the 8th grade, it's uncommon for a student to be 17.
If you are considering dropping out, it may be beneficial to discuss your situation with a school counselor or an educator to understand the implications and explore alternative options such as tutoring, vocational training, or other educational paths that might better suit your needs.