A student who is age 16 or 17 may submit a request to be deemed an "independent student" who is determined to have met the criteria by the Director of the Public Schools Branch. Once a student is identified as an independent student, the student has the same rights and obligations as a parent/guardian, including their own decision-making and signing consent and other school-related forms. To begin this process, the student must complete and submit the attached forms to the office of the Director of the Public Schools Branch.