TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- A teenager who is growing out his hair for charity stayed home from class on Thursday after his school said he cannot come back until he cuts it, reported WVTM-TV in Birmingham.

Jackson Baker, 18, still refuses to trim his hair. In fact, Baker now plans to stay home from school every day.

The Tuscaloosa Academy senior said that regardless of the consequences, he is not cutting his hair, even though that means dropping out months before graduation.

"I'm going to be home schooling now until the end of this year," Baker said.

Baker's mane now hangs down 9 inches. He is growing it out to 10 inches so Locks of Love can make a wig out of it for cancer patients.

Baker's grandmother, Libby, died of ovarian cancer six years ago, and she had worn a Locks of Love wig.

"I just decided it was the right thing to do," Baker said.

Baker said he has no regrets about the path he has chosen.

"None at all. I'm perfectly satisfied with the decisions I've made," Baker said.

The Tuscaloosa Academy requires male students to sport haircuts that do not cover their eyes or touch the backs of their collars.

"We asked him three times to cut his hair over a month's period," said Principal George Elder.

Elder said that although the school has just learned this week why Baker is growing his hair, it cannot make an exception to the school's policy.

"You have to set standards, and you have to hold to them," Elder said.

Elder said that it is not that the school does not support Locks of Love. In fact, every student is required to do 40 hours of community service before graduating. Elder said that service must be done within school rules, however.

"I think it's hugely important. What type of place would any place be if you blew with the wind?" Elder said.

Elder said he is saddened by Baker's decision and hopes he will have a change of heart.

"This is a nice young man -- a fine boy. We still hope he'll finish at T.A.," Elder said.

Baker said his mind is made up. He already has a full scholarship for his freshman year through the University of Alabama's art department.