(1) He would be 18 UNLESS (as a teacher I have seen this happen), he had been moved from another district in another state. Often enough a high schooler who was transferred as a junior can be a senior by waivers and credits achieved. Frequently schools in different states teach different level courses at different times... Say US History or Algebra II as a sophomore instead of as a freshman. If you've passed the prerequisite class for (especially) a math curriculum, you'll usually just be bumped ahead. Or equally, they can test into the grade level fairly often. Both are rare, but not unheard of... I grew up with a friend in the 90's who was in my grade yet a year younger in middle school because of the first case.
Additionally, a third option, students who are bright technically can take their required classes in lieu of "elective" courses and graduate a semester and sometimes a year early. Schools only require you have, for example, four years of math and English, three of science and social studies, etc. If a student doubles up on classes instead of taking electives... that is takes English I and II at the same time (or in block, half year class, scheduling, one in the fall and one in the spring semester), instead of taking English I and a Graphic Arts elective, they can graduate at 17.
(2) That does not solve problem two. However, the child could "live" with a relative on paper yet never actually live with the relative. So long as the state believes so. Legally speaking there is also "implied partial emancipation" (google it) which could be an option, if it fits the story.
Good luck!
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