This paper explores some of the implications of compulsory education for public and private schools and for home schooling. Data were derived from interviews conducted with approximately 120 education leaders in 15 states and with state officials in all states and U.S. territories. Following the introduction, the first part reviews compulsory education laws and summarizes the state survey findings. The second part describes the problems of and possible alternatives to compulsory education laws in the public school system. The impact of such laws on private schools are discussed in the third part, which describes the state regulation of private schools and court challenges to those laws. Part 4 examines the current status of home schooling, relevant state policies, and litigation. Part 5 examines political considerations involved in changing a state's compulsory education laws, some of which include the free exercise of religion, the right to choose, accountability, maintaining the society, and the possible loss of state aid to public schools. The final part provides examples from selected states that redesigned their school attendance legislation. It is recommended that states keep compulsory education requirements at a minimum and achieve reforms through a public education program that entices student participation. Nine tables are included. Appendices contain suggested legislation for compulsory education, comments on the recommended language, and citations for related readings available from the Education Commission of the States. (Contains 20 references and 15 citations of selected cases.) (LMI)