It's possible to apply for a waiver (google GED age waiver).
You could always lie about the student's age, too. Once s/he has the GED, you'll have satisfied the requirements of one set of bureaucrats, who hopefully won't get in touch with the other set of bureaucrats.
So, essentially kids who want to attend programs like PEG and get federal financial aid will need to get a GED age waiver and pass the GED test first rather than just forgoing a high school diploma/GED?
That sounds feasible but it just adds one extra step.
eta: in double checking that for my state, I find that anyone under age 16 is not eligible for a GED age waiver. Typically one has to be 17 to take the GED exam, but 16 y/os can apply for an age waiver. My dd won't be 17 even if she graduates on time. Should she want to do a program like PEG that allows her to skip part of high school, there is no way she can get a GED before that. She is, therefore, disqualified from getting financial aid for an early entrance program.
