Code No. 501.3
COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE
Parents within the school district who have children over age six and under age sixteen by September 15, in proper physical and mental condition to attend school, will have the children attend the school district at the attendance center designated by the board. Students will attend school the number of days or hours school is in session in accordance with the school calendar. Students of compulsory attendance age will attend school a minimum of 180 days or 1080 hours. Students not attending the minimum days or hours must be exempted by this policy as listed below or, for students in grades 7-12, referred to the county attorney or, for students in grades K-6, referred to the Attendance Cooperation process. Exceptions to this policy include children who:
- are excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge;
- are attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;
- are unable to attend school due to legitimate medical reasons;
- has an individualized education program that affects the child’s attendance;
- has a plan under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. §794, that affects the child’s attendance;
- are attending an approved or probationally approved private college preparatory school;
- are attending an accredited nonpublic school;
- are receiving independent private instruction; or,
- are receiving competent private instruction.
It is the responsibility of the parent of a child to provide evidence of the child's mental and physical inability to attend school or of the child's qualifications for one of the exceptions listed above.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 259A; 279; 299; 299A
Cross Reference: 601.1 School Calendar
604.1 Private Instruction
Adopted: 07/21/2003
Revised: 08/12/2024
Reviewed: 08/12/2024
