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, shall have the children attend the school district at the attendance center designated by the board.  Students shall attend school the number of days school is in session in accordance with the school calendar.  Students attending competent private instruction shall attend a minimum of ninety percent of hours per term and a minimum of one-hundred and fifty-nine days per year.  Exceptions to this policy include children who:

• have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or have obtained a high school equivalency diploma;
• 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 non-public school; 
• are receiving independent private instruction; or, 
• are receiving competent private instruction.