When a middle or high school student says "I want to leave school," the school doesn't process the withdrawal right away. It first has to go through a procedure called the withdrawal reconsideration period. For a student and parents set on leaving, this can feel like an extra hurdle -- but during this window the student's attendance is still fully counted, and it's also a chance to explore options besides withdrawal through counseling. Here's exactly how many days the reconsideration period runs, and how school life is handled in the meantime.

The Reconsideration Period Is a Principal's Legal Duty

Article 54 of the Enforcement Decree of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act requires a school principal to provide counseling and other necessary measures when a student is identified as being at risk of dropping out. Whether the student submits a withdrawal request or the school itself notices warning signs, the process starts the same way: the homeroom or student affairs teacher refers the student for counseling, which then takes place either at an outside institution recognized by the principal or in the school's own Wee Class. Skipping this step and processing a withdrawal immediately is not, in principle, permitted.

The Period Runs From a Minimum of 1 Week to a Maximum of 7

The reconsideration period runs from a minimum of 1 week (7 days) to a maximum of 7 weeks (49 days), and this count includes weekends, public holidays, school closure days, and vacation periods. Depending on the school's or education office's judgment, that maximum 7 weeks can also be split into up to two separate periods within a single school year -- for example, 3 weeks and then 4 weeks, rather than one continuous stretch. The exact length is set by the school based on the student's situation and how the counseling goes.

Attendance Is Counted Throughout the Period

Even if the student doesn't come to school during this period, that time is still counted as attendance. This reflects the fact that simply coming to school can itself feel like a burden for a student weighing whether to drop out. That said, exactly how attendance is recorded follows each school's own academic records management rules and attendance guidelines, so it's worth confirming the specifics with the homeroom teacher or academic affairs office in advance. Once the period ends, whether the student finalizes the withdrawal or returns to school is decided again by the student and parents based on how the counseling went.

Counseling Isn't Limited to the School's Own Wee Class

Counseling during the reconsideration period can take place at the school's own Wee Class, or at an outside institution recognized by the principal, such as a Wee Center, a Youth Counseling and Welfare Center (Kkumdream), or a center supporting youth outside the school system. Which institution is used is decided jointly by the school and the student and parents. For reference, Wee Class counseling can sometimes lead to hospital counseling cost support through programs like the Mind-Eum voucher, so a reconsideration-period referral occasionally opens the door to separate support for emotional difficulties as well.

If Withdrawal Is Still the Decision Afterward

If the student and parents still decide to withdraw after going through the reconsideration period, the school processes the withdrawal following its standard procedure. Afterward, the enrollment record is handled as a change in academic status, separate from a school record correction procedure, and a student wanting to continue their education typically prepares for the GED-equivalent exam. Keep in mind, though, that the high school equivalency exam can't be taken immediately after withdrawal -- eligibility only starts after a set period has passed from the date of removal from the school register, so it's worth checking that timeline before finalizing a withdrawal decision.

The Reconsideration Period Is a Different System From Post-Withdrawal Support

The reconsideration period is a procedure that offers a chance to reconsider before a withdrawal decision is finalized. Support available after a student has actually left school -- such as GED exam support or career/job experience programs through youth support centers outside the school system -- is a separate system. Counseling during the reconsideration period may introduce both, but it's worth keeping in mind that the reconsideration period itself is strictly a step taken before the withdrawal decision is made.

What Parents Should Check in Advance

If a student is referred into the reconsideration period, parents should ask a few things up front: whether counseling will be at the in-school Wee Class or an outside institution, whether the reconsideration period will be used all at once or split up, and exactly how the attendance during this period will be recorded on the school record. Each school sets its own detailed handling in its academic records management rules, so the exact notation can vary slightly. Also, since the student retains enrolled status throughout the reconsideration period, it's worth asking whether a transfer to a different school can also be considered during this time. If the situation affects broader school life -- for instance, if a sibling attends the same school -- letting the homeroom teacher know the relevant circumstances early in the counseling process can help the procedure go more smoothly.

Step by Step

① When a student expresses intent to withdraw, or the school notices warning signs, the homeroom or student affairs office refers the student for counseling. ② Reconsideration counseling takes place at a Wee Class or an outside institution recognized by the principal. ③ The reconsideration period runs from a minimum of 1 week to a maximum of 7 weeks (49 days), and can be split into two periods within one school year depending on the school's judgment. ④ Attendance is counted throughout the reconsideration period, with no absence recorded. ⑤ If withdrawal is still decided after the period, check both the enrollment-record procedure and the waiting period before GED exam eligibility. Detailed operating procedures can vary by local education office, so confirm the exact process with the homeroom teacher or education support office.