A student aged 16 or 17 may request to be recognized as an "independent student," under the Education Act. This status is granted by the Director of the Public Schools Branch if the student meets the necessary criteria. Once designated as an independent student, the student assumes the same rights and responsibilities as a parent or guardian, including making their own decisions and signing consent forms and other school-related documents. To initiate this process, the student must complete and submit the Student Request form to the Director of the Public Schools Branch.